Barolo Bussia DOCG 2013 Conterno

It may be a so-called entry level Barolo, but the 2013 Barolo Bussia definitely delivers the goods. Fruit is sourced from three separate points within the larger Bussia cru. These sites are characterized by clay soils with southeast exposures and approximately 25-year-old vines. The quality of fruit is very intense and defined with dark cherry and dried blackberry. Yet the mouthfeel is ethereal, light and buoyant. Keeping in line with the vintage, the tannins are firm and slightly rigid. However, they are well absorbed by the exuberant nature of the fruit. The wine's personality is reminiscent of the Barolo Bussia Cicala.

My visit with Franco Conterno yielded beautiful wines that are deeply expressive and impeccably executed. The Barolo Riserva Granbussia remains one of the greatest wines made in this fortunate territory. Happily for me, Franco offered to open a few back vintages of this iconic wine. When it come to exploring the length and breadth of the Bussia taste patrimony, no one beats this historic estate in Monforte d'Alba.

This shows a beautiful complexity of ripe fruit such as cherries as well as orange peel undertones with lemon and pineapple highlights. Medium body and well-defined tannins. Drink in 2020.

A fragrant style, offering rose, cherry, earth, mineral and cumin aromas and flavors. Young and tense, yet shows fine potential, with complex flavors, good structure and a long aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2040.