Poderi Aldo Conterno, `Il Favot` 2012 Langhe, , 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 Conterno family's vineyards are situated on the hill of Bussia in Monforte d'Alba. The grapes for this wine come from vineyards no more than 20 years old. The grapes from older vineyards are used to produce Conterno's .

VINTAGE A very warm winter was followed by freezing temperatures in February. This created useful water reserves but also postponed vegetative recovery. Spring started out cool and wet in March and April, but while there was no shortage of rain in May, temperatures rose considerably (as high as 17°C). This abundance of water, combined with high temperatures, accelerated vegetative growth, producing a more balanced situation than had been seen on budbreak. June also began with wet weather, disrupting flowering and resulting in a smaller number of berries on average per cluster. This proved to be positive, as it led to less green harvesting being required, and helped in the prevention of the diseases which take hold more easily in compact clusters. From the end of June, summer was marked by medium-high temperatures, which reached their peak in the second half of August (with maximums of 38°C), and little rain. Nevertheless, no Grape Varieties 100% Nebbiolo water stress issues were recorded due to the abundant reserves Winemaker Stefano Conterno which had been built up during winter and spring. Closure Natural Cork VINIFICATION ABV 14.5% Fermentation occurred in temperature controlled stainless steel Residual Sugar 1.1g/L tanks at 26-28°C. Pumping over did not occur, instead horizontal Acidity 5.5g/L tanks with constantly rotating mechanised paddles were used to achieve good extraction and colour. The must remained on the Wine pH 3.4 skins for five days and then it was racked off to finish the Bottle Sizes 75cl fermentation. The wine remained for five to six months in stainless Notes Sustainable, Practising Organic steel vats. It was racked several times and then put into 100% new barriques (of Allier, Troncais, Nevers and Vosges oak) where it remained for 18 months. The wine was aged in bottle for another year before release.

TASTING NOTES Clear, bright ruby in colour. This wine has a fresh and lively fruit character with elegant, lifted aromas. The palate is clean and vibrant with a fine minerality that continues through to a long finish.