Poderi Aldo Conterno, `Conca Tre Pile` d'Alba 2015 , , 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 grapes are grown in the Conca Tre Pile vineyard which is situated on a steeply sloping part of the Bussia Soprana hill in Monforte d'Alba. The Barbera vines are up to 45 years old.

VINTAGE The 2015 vintage began with a snowy winter which provided the soil with an excellent supply of water. Mild temperatures in spring brought bud break, flowering and fruit set forward. Following some rain in spring, from the second half of June throughout the month of July, there was no rain and temperatures were higher than usual, hitting peaks of around 40°C. However, the plentiful water supplies which had accumulated during the early months of the year meant the vines avoided hydric stress. This hot weather did mean that particular attention had to be paid to the management of the foliage to protect the grapes from scorching, but it also kept fungal pressure low. These conditions meant that the grapes began to ripen about 10 days earlier than in the previous vintage. The quality of the grapes harvested will ensure elegant, long-lasting with good structure.

VINIFICATION Grape Varieties 100% Barbera Maceration and fermentation occurred in temperature controlled Winemaker Stefano Conterno stainless steel tanks between 26-28°C. The must remained in contact with the skins for 8-10 days. Pumping over did not occur; Closure Natural Cork instead, horizontal tanks with rotating mechanised paddles were ABV 14.5% used to achieve good extraction and colour. The wine remained in tank for a few months before being transferred to 100% new barriques for malolactic fermentation and 14 months of ageing.

TASTING NOTES Deep ruby red, this Barbera is bursting with dark berry perfumes overlaid with spiced dark plum and cherries. On the palate, it is concentrated and full-bodied, with the classic Barbera acidity lifting and accentuating the red fruit characters. Blackberries, savoury spice and nutmeg blend with ripe plums and supple tannins. The wine has a long, elegant finish.