Diego Conterno Baluma 2017 | Sommelier Favorite Nebbiolo d’Alba
Diego Conterno Baluma 2017 presents a pale garnet with a hint of ruby. With redolent of rose petals, wild strawberry, sour cherries, pink peppercorn, sandalwood, and violets. While medium-bodied and firm on the palate. And, there is a beautiful contrast between the pleasant tannic grip and the super-bright acidity that highlights fresh red fruit, spice, and earth flavors. Tightly knit, it’s an elegant, lighter-bodied alternative for fans of Barbaresco and Barolo.
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In Piedmont, where price tags continue to climb and average producers are riding the coattails of the greats all the way to the bank, Diego Conterno is bucking the trend. While putting out wines that would be a steal at twice their price. The Nebbiolo d’Alba Diego Conterno Baluma 2016 fits that mold perfectly. Whether you crack into a bottle now, or over the next five to seven years, this is a fantastic value from one of Piedmont’s most exacting and exciting producers.
About Diego Conterno
While being born with the name “Conterno” in Barolo is like having the name Ferrari in Modena. So, it is Italian shorthand for class and high-quality. Today, that quality doesn’t come with a Ferrari-sized price, because Diego Conterno has mastered what the Italian automaker never will: combining quality and value in an unbeatable combination.
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Conterno began making wine under those pristine skies in 1982 along with members of his family and started producing authentic, terroir-driven Barolos at his own operation in 2000. Since then, Diego has maintained a small, family-run winery that prizes quality over everything, even price. Diego’s wines are highly pedigreed. Really, nuanced, classically inspired wines of real character. So, as Antonio Galloni of Vinous put it—and could certainly fetch higher asking prices than they do. With customers saying “Seriously overdelivering for the price.”
Organic, Sustainable, Amazing
For this Diego Conterno Baluma 2017, organic grapes grown on the southwestern facing Monguglielmo hill are given a brief five-day fermentation. While then aged for six months in 500-liter barrels. Notably, a fairly quick process that contributes a striking freshness in the wine. The final result shows another vintage of ripe and vibrant, but serious Nebbiolo. Hence, showing red berry fruit with classic Piedmontese crushed violet florals. And wild herb notes, all balanced by elongated tannins and a juicy finish.
