Paolo Contero wine Tasting with special guest Giorgio Conterno

Wine is not just an object of pleasure, but an object of knowledge; and the pleasure depends on the knowledge.

ROGER SCRUTON, I Drink Therefore I Am

We like to study the wines of the Piedmont and are happy to have one of the Conterno clan here at Wine Watch to showcase the newest release from the land of Nebbiolo and Barbera- two of my favorite grape varietals.

Giorgio attended our "Best Of 2013" tasting here at the store and his wines were a big hit.  This was no surprise to me as the family owns 7 hectares in the historical cru of Ginestra, which is one of the top vineyard sites in all of Barolo.

The California Cabernet Sauvignon tasting at Cafe Maxx is already SOLD OUT - Shocker!!  This is always one of the most popular tasting that we do for our every other Wednesday night wine happy hour for $35 this is the best value in all of the tastings that we do!!

We still have room at the Seven Hills Winery dinner at Michael Mina’s Stripsteak in the Fountainbleau Hotel on Miami Beach on Tuesday night with Casey McClellan, the founder of this iconic winery in Walla Walla Washington.  Check out the menu on our calendar of events on our web page.

This event will surely sell out as we only have 15 seats for our event with Giorgio here at Wine Watch and for only $95 you get to try four different Barolos from the Ginestra Cru along with a special menu to complement the barbera and nebbiolo based wines of the Piedmont’s Paolo Conterno winery with the next generation of Conterno’s, Giorgio Conterno.  For reservation call 954-523-9463.

Paolo Conterno Tasting At Wine Watch with Special Guest Giorgio Conterno
Thursday, March 12th
7:00pm

Tasting Line-Up:

Paolo Conterno Barbera Bricco DOCG 2013   
Price: $21.25   Sale $18.70   Case $217

Tasting notes: deep ruby red. Shows excellent finesse and elegance, with appealing hints of spices and fresh red fruit, such as cherry and cranberry. Very attractive taste, which is soft and structured, with the refreshing, tangy acidity that’s typical of the variety.

Paolo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo "A Mont" 2012   
Price: $27.00  Sale $23.76  Case $276

Tasting notes: bright garnet red colour; flowery nose, showing roses and fruity sensations. Mouth-filling and elegantly-structured; round with complex, slightly spicy flavours lingering nicely on the palate.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Riva Del Bric 2009
Price: $51.00    Sale $44.88            Case $521

From slightly younger vines in the best exposed area of Ginestra, the Riva Del Bric is one of the best values to be found in Barolo. The grapes are hand harvested near the end of October (about 3 weeks earlier in the heat of 2007) and are macerated for almost three weeks. It ages for 30 to 36 months in 35 HL French Oak casks.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Riva Del Bric 2010
Price: $51.00  Sale $43.76  Case $521

Tasting notes: typical garnet red. Bouquet packed with floral and fruity aromas. Elegant, robust body, nicely soft on the finish; showing hints of cherries and wild berries.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2008
Price: $80.50    Sale$64.40             Case $822

(93 Points) The 2008 Barolo Ginestra wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and richness, all while retaining the essential mid-weight personality for the year. Mocha, espresso, spices, licorice and plums are some of the aromas and flavors that jump from the glass in this deep, beautifully articulated wine. The French oak is much better integrated than in the past. A round, supple finish makes the 2008 surprisingly approachable, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023. Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2009
Price: $81.00       Sale $71.28          Case $827

(94 points)  The 2009 Barolo Ginestra is a beautiful expression of Nebbiolo. This is a strong showing from the producer’s flagship vineyard. The aromatic tension and energy delivered reminds you that this is a young wine that needs more time to unwind and relax. But all the essentials are there: Licorice, tar, dried fruit, tobacco and a pretty addition of crushed spice or cardamom. The mouthfeel is finely chiseled and sharp with tight, young tannins at the back. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030.  Wine Advocate #207 Jun 2013

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2010   
Price: $80             Sale $70.40          Case $816

Tasting notes: dark garnet red. Elegant, round nose with lingering fruity, spicy, balsamic and mineral undertones. Strong, warm body, with powerful aromas and well-balanced flavors. Long, intense finish. Lends itself to lengthy ageing, with a cellar life even extending to over fifteen years.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva DOCG 2007   
Price: $117  Sale $102.96  Case $1194

Tasting notes: dark garnet red. Elegant, round nose with lingering fruity, spicy, balsamic and mineral undertones. Strong, warm body, with powerful aromas and well-balanced flavours. Long, intense finish. Lends itself to lengthy ageing, with a cellar life even extending to over fifteen years.

Menu

Selection of Cheese:  Beemster Gouda, Parmesan Reggiano

Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake served over roasted pepper puree with Anchovy, black and green olive tapenade

Nebbiolo braised beef short rib with dark chocolate mole and root vegetable mash

This event is $95 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.  There are only 15 spaces available for this tasting.

A bit about Paolo Conterno:

The estate, established in 1886, has belonged to the Conterno family for four generations. The vineyards (seven hectares of which stand in the historical cru of "Ginestra") and the cellar are run with passion by Paolo and Caterina together with their son and daughter Giorgio and Marisa. The ageing cellar is still the original one built in 1886 where large French oak casks (35 hectolitre capacity) are used. - the result of the combination of the extraordinary terroir, of a favourable microclimate, of an excellent exposure of the vineyards and of the dedication of the Conterno family - has been aknowledged and prized by the Italian and international specialised press.  The estate, established in 1886, has belonged to the Conterno family for four generations. The vineyards (seven hectares of which stand in the historical cru of "Ginestra") and the cellar are run with passion by Paolo and Caterina together with their son and daughter Giorgio and Marisa. The ageing cellar is still the original one built in 1886 where large French oak casks (35 hectolitre capacity) are used. The vinification cellar has modern equipment in order to achieve the best results and to respect tradition at the same time. The extremely high quality of the wines - the result of the combination of the extraordinary terroir, of a favourable microclimate, of an excellent exposure of the vineyards and of the dedication of the Conterno family - has been acknowledged and prized by the Italian and international specialized press.