Poderi Aldo Conterno, `Conca Tre Pile` Barbera d'Alba 2009 Langhe, Piemonte, Italy PRODUCER Aldo Conterno is one of the historic names of Italian wine. 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 a steeply sloping part of the Bussia Soprana hill in Monforte d'Alba. The Barbera vines are 46 years old on average. VINTAGE The 2009 vintage began with a winter marked by heavy snowfalls. Early spring was rainy but summer was dry and helped by excellent water reserves in the soil. These reserves proved to be of vital importance in the summer, averting any water stress-related problems which could have occurred due to the almost total lack of rain and the intense heat during the summer months, especially during the second half of August. Picking of Barbera began around the first week of October. VINIFICATION Maceration and fermentation occurred in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 26-28°C. The must remained in contact with the skins for about two weeks. Pumping over did not occur, instead horizontal tanks with constantly rotating mechanised paddles were used to achieve good extraction and colour. The wine remained in temperature controlled stainless steel Grape Varieties 100% Barbera tank for a few months before being transferred to 100% new oak Winemaker Stefano Conterno barriques for malolactic fermentation and 14 months ageing. Closure Natural Cork TASTING NOTES ABV 14.5% Deep ruby red, with dark berry perfumes overlaid with spiced, Acidity 6.38g/L dark plum and cherries. On the palate, it is concentrated and full- Wine pH 3.42 bodied, with the classic Barbara acidity lifting and accentuating the red fruit characters. Blackberries, savoury spice and nutmeg Notes Sustainable blend with ripe plums and supple tannins and a long, elegant finish..