Poderi Aldo Conterno, `Bussia` 2008 Barolo, , Italy

PRODUCER Aldo Conterno is one of the historic names of Italian . The Conterno family has been making wine in Monforte since at least the 1700s. Aldo's grandfather, Giovanni Conterno, founded his own winery in 1908 which was then run by his son, Giacomo. After a stint in the USA in the 1950s, Aldo worked with his older brother Giovanni in this winery until he decided to strike out on his own in 1969. Aldo's three sons now make the wine (Stefano) and run the business (Franco and Giacomo). Over the years, production has been deliberately reduced and the family now produces 80,000 bottles rather than the 200,000 produced in 1998.

VINEYARDS The Barolo is no longer 'Bussia' as the vines from another of the Conterno vineyards from the commune of Barolo are now 27 years old so have been deemed worthy of inclusion in their Barolo. The new vineyard accounts for 15% of the blend, hence the change in name. The rest of the fruit still comes from one of the best vineyards on the Bussia Soprana hill. 80% of the grapes for the Barolo are now from the vineyard in Monforte d'Alba and the remaining 20% from the Barolo zone.

VINTAGE Franco Conterno describes 2008 as "one of the most classic vintages in the last decade". He says, "Barolo lovers will be impressed in particular by the distinctive mineral character found in the this vintage". After several years of early vintages, harvest went on until the second week of November in 2008, considerably later than usual. 2008 was a classic year in which the selection of grapes and low yields made the difference. Conterno sacrificed a large part of their production in order to select only the ripest and healthiest grapes to produce wines that are expressive of their vineyard.

Grape Varieties 100% Nebbiolo VINIFICATION Winemaker Stefano Conterno Temperature controlled fermentation took place in stainless steel tank with temperatures around 28°C. Maceration on the skins and Closure Natural Cork fermentation lasted 5-6 weeks. The wine remained in stainless steel ABV 14.5% for a further 3-5 months after which it was transferred to large Residual Sugar 1g/L Slavonian barrels where it remained for 27 months before Acidity 6.53g/L bottling. TASTING NOTES Very ruby good colour. The 2008 is fresh, pure and lifted with a touch of smoke. The palate is ripe and full with good depth, lots of tannin and excellent balance. The finish is long with fantastic mineral character.