2005 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino

Giacomo Conterno and the meaning of Monfortino

Giacomo Conterno is considered one of the most influential names in the Langhe region. Located in Monforte d'Alba, the estate has symbolized Barolo in its purest, most traditional form for decades. Here, they produce wines with remarkable depth, nearly unparalleled structure, and a longevity that can span generations. Within the estate, Monfortino is the crowning achievement: a Barolo Riserva made exclusively in the very best years and aged entirely in large botti, often longer than many other estates dare.

Roberto Conterno adheres to a long-aging and classic winemaking model. It's a style that demands patience, where time is an essential part of the wine's character. The long maturation in large vats, the late bottling, and the strict selection of grapes make Monfortino a wine that reflects not just a vintage, but a deeper interpretation of the hills surrounding the Cascina Francia.

The year 2005 in Barolo and the choice for Monfortino

The 2005 vintage produced elegant, aromatically refined Nebbiolo with sufficient structure for extended aging. Not every estate produced a Riserva, but for Conterno, the balance between ripeness, tension, and extraction was convincing enough to create Monfortino. The grapes were hand-harvested and rigorously selected. Fermentation took place with long skin maceration using traditional methods, followed by years of aging in large wooden barrels. The result is a wine that combines power, finesse, and remarkable aromatic precision.

Color, smell and taste of the 2005 Barolo Riserva Monfortino

The color reveals a deep garnet core with a light rim that betrays its age, yet remains remarkably clear. The aroma immediately reveals the enormous layering characteristic of this wine. Ripe notes of dark cherries and plums are complemented by warmer aromas of tar, warm earth, and dried herbs. Subtle nuances of marzipan, orange peel, and rose petals add complexity. A hint of mint and light woody spices emerges with a little more air, giving the wine added freshness. This aromatic structure aptly reflects the tension between power and refinement that the reviews emphasize.

On the palate, the wine is powerful, structured, and deeply flavored. The first impression is defined by a combination of ripe dark fruit, spice, and a distinct minerality. The tannins remain firm but feel refined. They envelop the wine in a way that exudes tranquility and balance, while simultaneously revealing the enormous potential of this vintage. The intensity of plum, cherry, and dark spice is supported by notes of smoke, incense, and a subtle hint of licorice. The wine's development in the glass reveals a wine that gradually opens up with more floral and balsamic notes.

The structure is broad and energetic. The layering that unfolds during the tasting is impressive: dark fruit gives way to tar and spice, after which a fresh note of orange peel and mint brightens the palate. The tension between the still-present tannins and the rounded texture creates an almost palpable depth. Reviews indicate that this vintage has developed remarkably well since the first tastings, and that the once-powerful tannins now feel rounder and softer without losing their firmness.

The finish is long, intense, and complex. It lingers for minutes, with notes of cherry, spice, rose, and a deep, earthy undertone. This wine demands time in the glass, and even more time in the cellar. While a bottle already has much to offer, it can easily continue to evolve well into the 2040s.

Reviews

Suckling – 98 points : Polished tannins, dark fruits, marzipan, orange peel and cedar.

The Wine Advocate – 96 points (Antonio Galloni): Rich depth, dark plums, cherries, smoke, incense, and tar. Elegant tannins, best drinking window 2025–2045.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni): Deep, solid tannins, rose petals, and mint. In a closed phase, it requires patience.

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If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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Wine and food pairings

• Saddle of hare with sage and a light game jus. The wine's deep structure complements the intense meat beautifully.
• Ravioli with mushrooms, butter, and thyme. The earthy flavors complement the spiciness of the Nebbiolo.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The firm tannins and umami in the cheese complement each other perfectly.
• Ossobuco with saffron risotto. The freshness of the wine balances the dish.
• Mushroom risotto with truffle. The earthy notes of the wine make a natural pairing.
• Grilled lamb with rosemary. The wine's powerful structure and spiciness are perfectly complemented here.