The capstone of the range is the Riserva Sette 7 Anni, which was born out of a dare from father to son: Pietro gave one barrel for Daniele to age, reminding him that any extra ageing impacted cash flow. Sette 7 Anni, is named for the 84 months it spends in barrel, far longer than two years in oak required of a Barolo and three years of a Riserva. It is produced in the best years and ageing remains true to its name. 

Tasting Notes

This wine is only produced in the best vintages. Brilliant grenade red colour with soft orange notes, richly complex on the nose with floral hints enhanced by traditionally new wood. Full-bodied palate that delivers dried black cherry, steeped prune, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly knit, velvety tannins.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full-bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia.

Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa.

Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

Tasting Notes

In keeping with the links to DRC, the Bianco Per Amore is very Burgundian in nature. Shiny staw yellow and bright in colour. Creamy character, with sizzled acidity. Hints of toast come through. The finish is stoney.

Colour

Shiny straw yellow and bright.

Fragrance

Ample bouquet of exceptional finesse and elegance.

Flavour

Complete, harmonious and velvety, aristocratic of great breed.

It’s a playful and jovial drink and could be well-matched with shellfish or haute cuisine seafood dishes. As Giovanni says: ‘The Bianco per Amore is a very unique white wine that, I am almost certain, you won’t find elsewhere on the market. It’s very fine, delicate, but full of flavour and aroma. Since our vineyards are close to the sea, a plate of fresh oysters with chilled Bianco per Amore could be your treat during your beach holidays.’

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2017: 251 (no more available)
• Vintage 2018: 250 bottles

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

A fine, harmonious, first-class wine.

LL’ Amor De’ Santi

This  is  the  title  of  a  15th-century  prayer  in  the  Tuscan language that the farmer,  together with the parish priest,  used to recite in the fields,  invoking the protection of the saints against misfortunes and to have a good harvest.

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Artorius and Imeneus red wines are both crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. The former is an easy-going style ideal for enjoying with family and friends alongside a simple, wholesome meal. Imeneus, which is named after the beautiful son of Aphrodite and Bacchus in Greek mythology, is a more serious red which ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Finally, Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Tasting Notes

LL’ Amor De’ Santi named after a 15th century Tuscan prayer, but is modern is style. Red currants and cranberry come through with hints of spice. There is a rich texture, with an elegant and unique taste of medium tannins.

Colour

Full ruby-red tending to garnet, balanced and brilliant.

Fragrance

Full, noble and developed bouquet with intense notes of black fruits and hints of plum and blackberry.

Flavour

Also full, of great finesse and authority. Rich texture, elegant and unique, deep and soft with a long and pleasantly tannic closing.

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

A unique and elegant wine.

L'Bruno de' Venti

The  story  is  told  that  many  years  ago, the  woods  surrounding  this vineyard were  the  refuge  of  a  dark  skinned reclusive  with  piercing  eyes, very  attractive  to  women. He  lived  by  poaching  game and  doing  whatever  he could. No  one  knew  exactly  where he  lived,  but  from  time  to  time he  appeared  near  Poggio  ai  Venti vineyard,  and  so  the  people hereabouts  called  him “’l  Bruno de’  Venti ” (the  Dark  Fellow  of  the  Winds).

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Artorius and Imeneus red wines are both crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. The former is an easy-going style ideal for enjoying with family and friends alongside a simple, wholesome meal. Imeneus, which is named after the beautiful son of Aphrodite and Bacchus in Greek mythology, is a more serious red which ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Finally, Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Tasting Notes

‘L Bruno De’ Venti is a Bordeaux blend. Dark currents pervade with a muscular back bone. Pure of fruit, the tannins are well rounded. Merlot vines from massal selection or between 50-70 years old. Cabernet Franc vines from massal selection of old vines.

Colour

Ruby red tending to garnet, velvety yet brilliant.

Fragrance

Very fragrant and rich with intense notes of cherry, plums and hints of toasted spices.

Flavour

Authoritarian and persistent, with soft and elegant tannins.

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2008: 1743 (non more available).    
• Vintage 2009: 1790 (non more available).    
• Vintage 2010: 1696 (non more available).
• Vintage 2011: 1811 (non more available).
• Vintage 2012: 1432 

Specifications

 Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock. 

An unparalleled and unique wine.

Imeneus

The myth says that Imeneus, offspring of Aphrodite and Bacchus, was a young Athenian of modest social standing but of extraordinary beauty. ​He fell in love with a  young noble girl. While she was travelling to Eleusis, she was captured by pirates with her handmaids; among them was also  Imeneus,  who was mistaken for a  girl. While the captors were sleeping, he slew them all and brought the girls back safe to Athens. For his courageous deed,  he was awarded the hand of his beloved. For this reason, the ancient Greeks invoked Imeneus as a bringer of happiness in marriage.

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia. Through this connection, he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa. 

Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

The Imeneus red is crafted using the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is the Sangiovese clone typically used in Montalcino. Imeneus is a more serious red that ages in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This bottling is a true collector’s wine with a remarkably complex flavour profile and high investment potential.

Tasting Notes

Imeneus is an earthy, spicy wine. Smooth and mellow with hints of iron. The tannins are quite crunchy with this wine. 

Colour

Joyous ruby red, velvety and brilliant.

Fragrance

Full, rich and persistent with hints of fragrant fruit in perfect harmony with sweet spices that give it complexity.

Flavour

It has exceptional skills of elegance in order to be truly unique, aristocratic and with a closing of great length and cleanliness.

Giovanni explains it best: ‘I hope that my drinkers could imagine themselves standing on the hills of Poggio ai Venti with me, feeling the warmth of sunshine, the mild sea breeze on their faces, hear the chirping of the birds in the quiet woods around and see a grey hare rush through the vineyards. All these feelings of harmony and equilibrium are inside my wines.’

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2008: 1419 (no more available).    
• Vintage 2009: 1452 (no more available).    
• Vintage 2010: 1709 (no more available).
• Vintage 2011: 1450 (no more available).
• Vintage 2012: 1452.

Specifications