Poderi Aldo Conterno winery
Poderi Aldo Conterno is a historic wine estate located in the Bussia area of Monforte d’Alba, in the heart of Piedmont’s Barolo region. Founded in 1969 by Aldo Conterno, the estate emerged when Aldo separated from his family’s winery, Giacomo Conterno, to pursue his own vision of winemaking. The estate quickly gained recognition for its focus on producing Barolo wines of exceptional quality, blending traditional methods with a modern sensibility. Aldo’s philosophy centered on expressing the unique terroir of Bussia through meticulous vineyard management and careful winemaking, emphasizing balance, elegance, and longevity in his wines.
The estate’s vineyards cover approximately 25 hectares, primarily planted to Nebbiolo, with smaller plots of Barbera and Freisa. The vineyards are situated on prime south and southwest-facing slopes, at altitudes between 350 and 400 meters, which contribute to the complexity and structure of the wines. The soils, rich in clay and limestone, are particularly well-suited for Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo. Poderi Aldo Conterno’s approach in the vineyard involves low yields, rigorous selection of grapes, and sustainable practices aimed at preserving the health and character of the land.
In the cellar, the estate combines respect for tradition with thoughtful innovation. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods tailored to each vintage to extract optimal color, aroma, and tannin. Aging occurs in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the wines to develop complexity while retaining the purity of fruit and terroir expression. The estate is best known for its trio of single-vineyard Barolos: “Romirasco,” “Cicala,” and “Colonnello,” all sourced from prized parcels within the Bussia cru. Each of these wines reflects subtle differences in soil, exposure, and microclimate, offering a nuanced portrait of the estate’s land.
In addition to Barolo, Poderi Aldo Conterno produces other notable wines, including Barbera d’Alba “Conca Tre Pile,” Langhe Nebbiolo “Il Favot,” and a rare Freisa. These wines showcase the estate’s commitment to quality across the range, offering both approachability and depth. The Barolo “Bussia” bottling, a blend of several parcels, is another key wine that captures the house style: structured, aromatic, and age-worthy.
Today, the estate is managed by Aldo’s sons—Franco, Stefano, and Giacomo—who continue to uphold the founding principles while subtly refining techniques in both vineyard and cellar. Under their stewardship, Poderi Aldo Conterno remains dedicated to producing wines that marry power with finesse, capable of aging gracefully for decades. The estate’s commitment to authenticity, respect for tradition, and pursuit of excellence has cemented its status among the leading producers in Barolo, attracting collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Visits to the estate offer a glimpse into the family’s deep connection to their land and a tasting experience that highlights the singular qualities of Bussia and the Nebbiolo grape.