Aldo Conterno Colonnello Barolo 2008

The 2008 Barolo Colonnello is impressive. It shows gorgeous richness and depth in its focused, energetic fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and spices are woven together beautifully in the 2008 Colonnello. The elegant side of Barolo comes through, but with an extra degree of muscle. The oak, sometimes noticeable in this bottling, is very well-integrated. Floral notes are woven throughout the finish. The Colonnello often gives the impression of being early to mature relative to the estate’s other Baroli, but the 2008 is surprisingly powerful and structured. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033.

95 points from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Winery Notes:

SPECIES OF VINE: Nebbiolo, Michet and Lampia varieties.

VINEYARD: “Colonnello” vineyard, in Bussia (Monforte d'Alba).

HARVEST: manual, with grapes selection in the vineyard.

TIME OF HARVEST: mid-October.

VINIFICATION: red, with skin soaking inside stainless steel vats.

VINIFICATION TIME: the must stays on contact with the skins for 30 days: during this time the alcoholic VINIFICATION gets fully complete, and the wine is then drawn off.

VINIFICATION TEMPERATURES: changeable, with highest peaks of 32 degrees centigrades.

CELLAR REFINING: The new wine is racked several times before transfer to large Slavonia oak casks where it is aged and refined for 28 months.

NOTES: the vineyard “Colonnello” is about 45-50 years old and, to maintain it, its vines are replanted from time to time. The main variety of Nebbiolo is Michet and its rootstock is 420 A.