Giacomo Conterno

Giacomo Conterno is one of Barolo's most distinguished estates and a leading exponent of traditional Nebbiolo winemaking in Piedmont, Italy. Based in Serralunga d'Alba and led by the Conterno family across four generations, the estate has been producing wine since 1908. Its uncompromising approach—long macerations, extended ageing in large Slavonian oak botti and production only from estate-grown fruit—has established Giacomo Conterno as a global reference for Barolo built to age for decades.

Quick Facts

• Location: Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
• Founded: 1908
• Founder: Giacomo Conterno
• Ownership: Conterno family, fourth generation
• Current leadership: Roberto Conterno
• Classification: Barolo DOCG
• Principal grape: Nebbiolo
• Key vineyard holdings: Cascina Francia (includes Francia and Arione parcels), Cerretta
• Soils: Calcareous marl with varying sand and clay proportions
• Grand Vin: Barolo Monfortino Riserva
• Other Barolo wines: Barolo Cascina Francia, Barolo Cerretta
• Style: Structured, powerful, extraordinarily age-worthy
• Viticulture: Estate-grown fruit, meticulous vineyard management
• Winemaking: Traditional long maceration, indigenous yeasts, ageing in large Slavonian oak casks

A Century of Uncompromising Tradition

Giacomo Conterno founded the estate in 1908 in the village of San Giuseppe, within the commune of Monforte d'Alba. Initially, the estate purchased grapes and aged wines using methods already considered traditional at the time. In 1920, Giacomo created the first vintage of Monfortino, a Barolo selected from the finest barrels and aged far longer than standard practice demanded.

Giovanni Conterno, Giacomo's son, took over in 1961 and moved the estate to Serralunga d'Alba. In 1974, Giovanni purchased Cascina Francia, securing estate control over exceptional vineyard land and ensuring future generations could shape every stage of production. His son Roberto assumed leadership in 1988 and has continued the estate's philosophy without compromise.

The Cascina Francia Vineyard

Cascina Francia comprises approximately 14 hectares in Serralunga d'Alba and forms the foundation of the estate's production. The vineyard includes two historically significant parcels: Francia and Arione, both situated on calcareous marl soils at elevations between 300 and 400 metres.

These sites benefit from south and southwest exposures, extended sunlight and the thermal regulation provided by Serralunga's geology. The resulting Nebbiolo achieves physiological ripeness while retaining the acidity and tannin structure essential for prolonged ageing. Barolo Cascina Francia is produced from this vineyard in every vintage and represents the estate's core expression of Serralunga terroir.

The Cerretta vineyard, acquired more recently, contributes to Barolo Cerretta, a wine that offers a distinct interpretation of the commune's character.

Monfortino: Barolo Built for Generations

Barolo Monfortino Riserva is produced only in vintages deemed exceptional by the estate. Grapes are drawn from the oldest vines within Cascina Francia, typically from the Francia parcel itself. Fermentation and maceration last between 60 and 90 days, extracting profound colour, tannin and structure.

The wine is then aged for at least seven years in large Slavonian oak botti, far exceeding the three-year minimum required for Barolo Riserva. This extended maturation integrates the wine's formidable structure and allows its complexity to develop before release. Monfortino is released approximately a decade after harvest and is recognised for its ability to evolve gracefully over 30, 50 or more years.

The estate's unwavering commitment to this time-intensive process has made Monfortino one of Italy's most sought-after and collectible wines.

Traditional Craftsmanship in Every Detail

Giacomo Conterno employs methods increasingly rare in contemporary Barolo production. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in upright wooden vats, and no temperature control is applied. Macerations are exceptionally long, allowing full extraction of phenolic material and creating wines of remarkable concentration and tannic presence.

Ageing takes place exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks, which allow slow, steady oxygenation without imparting overt wood character. The estate does not filter or fine its wines, preserving texture and aromatic integrity. This approach demands patience—from the winemaker, the trade and the consumer—but it produces Barolo of unmatched power, balance and longevity.

The result is a portfolio that embodies Serralunga's structured, age-worthy expression of Nebbiolo and stands as a benchmark for traditional Barolo across generations.