Refill: Top-Quality Nebbiolo From Nervi-Conterno, Gattinara

Everyone knows the standard set in Barolo and Barbaresco, but the appellations further north in Alto Piemonte are also growing in reputation. It’s why Antonio Galloni describes it as “one of the most glorious, under the radar regions in the world.”  Of Alto Piemonte’s cluster of nine appellations, Gattinara is surely the greatest. The key is its terroir—a rare vein of volcanic gravel, on steep, high-elevation slopes. The climatic conditions ensure wide diurnal temperature swings that produce exceptionally long-lived Nebbiolos of complexity.

When Roberto Conterno, of Giacamo Conterno, had the opportunity to purchase the Nervi estate after already consulting on the wines, he didn't hesitate.  Nervi is a benchmark Gattinara producer, founded in 1906 by Italo Nervi and is the oldest in Gattinara. The estate comprises 28.5 hectares of vineyards, including some of the most prized vineyard holdings in all of the appellation - the top crus of Molsino and Valferana as well as Garavoglie and Casacce.

To illustrate the quality of his Gattinara, Roberto Conterno prefers to show the Nervi-Conterno side-by-side with his Giacomo Conterno Baroli.  The Gattinaras are definitely not the “little siblings” and are often presented after Barolo in the tasting order, depending on the year.  As Antonio Galloni says, “some vintages favor one appellation over another [but] the wines from the two estates can absolutely stand side-by-side”.

Today's offer highlights the two flagship crus - a vertical of Valferana, from 6-10 years old, and three vintages of Molsino, 6-8 years old.  Molsino is a south-facing amphitheater, tends to ripen earlier and is an overall bigger wine, whereas Valferana is west-facing, ripens somewhat later, and tends more towards elegance.

2016 Nervi - Conterno Gattinara Vigna Valferana - 94+ WA, 96 VN
2018 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Valferana - 95 WA, 96 VN
2019 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Valferana - 96+ VN, 96 FS
2020 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Valferana - 95 WA, 96 VN

2018 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Molsino - 96 WA, 98+ VN
2020 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Molsino - 94 WA, 97 VN, 95 JD, 96 FS

Bonus Magnums, In Stock:

2017 Nervi - Conterno Gattinara, 1.5L - 93 WA, 94 VN, 94 DC, 94 FS
(Molsino and Valferana were not made in 2017, and instead went into the classic Gattinara.)
2016 Nervi - Conterno Gattinara Vigna Valferana, 1.5L - 94+ WA, 96 VN
2018 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Valferana, 1.5L - 95 WA, 96 VN
2019 Conterno - Nervi Gattinara Vigna Molsino, 1.5L - 97 VN

2014 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta, 1.5L - 95 WA, 97+ VN, 97 FS
2017 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia, 1.5L - 97 WA, 97 VN

For all shipping inquiries - please contact shipping@thebottlelist.com

Orders which include wines marked PRE-ARRIVAL that are combined with in stock items will be available for shipping/collection once all items have arrived at our warehouse. Minimum purchase per order is 3 bottles.

If you place an order it may be held for more favorable shipping weather. If you would like to discuss expedited shipping options just contact us. Orders are automatically insured for $100, you can add additional insurance at checkout.

Automatically receive a discounted ground shipping rate when you order a full case of 12 bottles (mix and match - 750ml only). Shipping promotion not valid for combination with previous orders. Pricing for this offer only and not retroactive.

.

-The Bottle List