Ginestra (2020) - Diego Conterno

In the heart of the Langhe, at Monforte d'Alba, the Diego Conterno winery grows Nebbiolo with a dedication rooted in a family history of passion and tradition. The Ginestra vineyard, source of the Barolo DOCG, is a place steeped in stories and legends. It is said that during the Second World War the vineyards of Monforte d'Alba were a safe refuge for partisans, who found among the rows not only shelter but also the comfort of a glass of wine. Today the 2020 Ginestra goes on telling those stories, bringing past and present together in a sip of Piedmontese history and culture.

Ginestra (2020) - Diego Conterno

Ginestra (2020) - Diego Conterno

Type: Red Wine

Area: Italy, Piedmont, Monforte d'Alba

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Grape variety: Nebbiolo

Vintage: 2020

Winery: Diego Conterno

Alcohol: 14.5%

The appellation: Barolo DOCG

Barolo DOCG is one of the most prestigious red wines in Italy, known for its complexity and depth. This appellation, recognised in 1980, comes from a small area in the heart of Piedmont, where the Nebbiolo grape finds its ideal home. Barolo is often called the "king of wines" thanks to its robust structure and its ageing potential, which make it a symbol of the Italian winemaking tradition.

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What to eat with Ginestra

Who makes it: Diego Conterno

Diego Conterno is a winery in the heart of Piedmont, more precisely at Monforte d'Alba. Founded with the aim of expressing the potential of the local wines at its best, the winery stands out for its dedication to quality and to the region's winegrowing tradition. Its production is closely tied to the Barbaresco DOCG appellation, a symbol of excellence on the Italian wine scene. The philosophy of Diego Conterno is based on: Respect for the land, with particular attention to sustainability and biodiversity Tradition and innovation, a combination that makes it possible to create unique, distinctive wines Passion for wine, reflected in every bottle produced Quality and authenticity: wines designed to enhance moments of conviviality

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The vine of Ginestra

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is one of the greatest black grape varieties in the world and the pride of Piedmont, capable of producing wines of extraordinary elegance, complexity and longevity. It is the basis of Barolo and Barbaresco, but also of many other noble appellations of northern Italy. The name may derive from “nebbia” (fog), because of the waxy bloom that covers the ripe berries or because of the often late harvest, between October and November, when the fogs wrap the hills of the Langhe.

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Ginestra: the area of Monforte d'Alba

Monforte d'Alba

Monforte d'Alba

Monforte d'Alba is a charming village in the heart of Piedmont's wine country, famous for producing high-quality wines, above all Barolo. The setting is one of breathtaking rolling hills, where the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a striking landscape that draws visitors and wine lovers from all over the world. Monforte d'Alba's winemaking tradition is rooted in history, with growing and winemaking practices handed down from generation to generation, helping to keep alive the authenticity of the wines produced in this area.

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Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Ginestra

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant Barolo with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

Sulphitesyes
BodyFull-bodied
AcidityMedium-high
TanninWell integrated
SweetnessDry
FinishLong
ColourGarnet red
ClarityClear

Winemaking methods used for Ginestra

Fermentation in concrete vats

Fermentation in concrete vats is an ancient technique, today increasingly appreciated in winemaking, for both red and white wines. Concrete vats, often oval or truncated-cone in shape, offer natural thermal stability and allow a slow, steady fermentation, without the thermal inertia of steel or the aromatic influence of wood. The result is a pure, expressive, vibrant wine, in which the grape variety and the terroir can emerge without interference. Often chosen by artisan or biodynamic growers, this technique allows gentle micro-oxygenation, thanks to the microporosity of the concrete, while keeping a neutral aromatic profile.

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Extended maceration (2–3 weeks)

Extended maceration, lasting between 2 and 3 weeks, is a traditional red winemaking technique used to obtain wines of great structure, depth and ageing potential. Over this period the skins stay in contact with the must for longer than average, allowing a more intense extraction of colour, tannins and complex aromatic compounds. It is typical of wines built for long ageing, made to express themselves over time.

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Ageing methods used for Ginestra

In cask (19–36 months)

Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.

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Time on the lees for Ginestra

  • No contact with the lees