Wine Advisor
Aldo Conterno, Barolo Granbussia Riserva 2006
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Dried roses, savory herbs, leather, anise and tobacco are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2006 Barolo Riserva Granbussia. Firm, austere yet gorgeous, the 2006 is going to require quite a bit of time to fully come together. There is an inner sweetness in the fruit and aromatics that recalls the Romirasco, while the perception of structure and acidity are those of Cicala. Dried flowers, spices and mint add the final notes of complexity. Patience will be key. The 2006 spent 60 days on the skins, followed by 44 months in cask.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(just 300 cases produced; a 70/15/15 blend of Romirasco, Colonnello and Cicala; 65 days on the skins): Good deep red. Ripe, classic Barolo aromas of black cherry, plum, menthol and mocha, plus a hint of exotic fruits; this seems more youthful on the nose than the 2009 Barolos here. Plush and broad in the mid-palate, with penetrating acidity and savory saline minerality giving the wine extraordinary grip. The great palate-staining finish features outstanding length and an exhilarating note of orange zest. Giacomo Conterno noted that there will be a Gran Bussia bottling from 2008, 2009 and 2010 but not from 2007 or 2011, explaining that Gran Bussia needs a classic vintage. This was bottled in 2011 and will be released early next year.
About the Producer
Aldo Conterno bought the "Favot" estate and founded the "Poderi Aldo Conterno" winery in 1969, which is situated in Bussia of Monforte d'Alba - the heart of Barolo wine area. Five generations of people who devoted their lives to wine have instilled in their souls a deep respect for the identity of their territory and a firm characterization of the products. What they want to offer is simply the interpretation of a terroir through their deep rooted beliefs. “Our wines never look for inconditional approval and our personality is not prone to easy compromise.” The Family has always had a relationship of perfect symbiosis with these cru, trying to enhance all their most peculiar characteristics through a wise and hard work in the vineyard. With the passing of the years they have been able to create a real microcosm which sinks its essence in the subtle balance offered by nature. The wine of these cru gives itself with firm determination by playing on the most classical elements of the Nebbiolo vine and its spicy notes give a crystal idea of the uniqueness of this soil. The interpretation of a territory goes along with the perfect knowledge of its components; that circumstance can become true only after a long and careful study of the components. All this has always been within their intentions, enabling us to find out the fundamental connections which, thanks to the hard work in the vineyard, are the basis of the unmistakable identity of our Barolo wines.
