2018 Conterno, Aldo - Barolo Romirasco
Sourced from the Gravere slope within the Barolo appellation, the 2018 Aldo Conterno Romirasco translates the vintage’s celebrated restraint into a deeply structured single-vineyard expression. Cultivated on calcareous marl and clay terraces at moderate elevation, estate-grown Nebbiolo delivers balanced acids, refined tannins, and pronounced aging trajectory. The 2018 climate pattern—marked by steady rainfall followed by dry, sunny maturation—yielded grapes with thick skins and concentrated phenolic maturity, forming a wine built for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
Romirasco opens with layered aromatics of crushed red cherry, dried violet, licorice root, and cured tobacco, gradually revealing notes of graphite, dried oregano, and damp earth. The palate is medium-weight yet densely packed, moving from bright fruit into savory terroir markers supported by grippy yet polished tannins. Alcohol feels integrated, leaving a clean, salinated finish that lingers for minutes.
Pair this bottling with slow-cooked, collagen-rich proteins and umami-driven regional plates. Traditional matches include brasato al Barolo, wild boar stracotto, or slow-braised rabbit. Its firm tannic backbone slices through richness, making it highly adaptable to mushroom risotto, aged Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano, and roast game finished with black truffle. Allow thirty minutes of decanting to soften structural edges, and serve between 60–64°F to preserve aromatic precision.