Synopsis, Our Opinion: It was EXTRAVAGANT, SUMPTUOUS and MEMORABLE.
Producer/Winery: Poderi Aldo Conterno; Monforte d’Alba, Italy
Grape Variety: Nebbiolo
Geographic Appellation: Barolo; Piedmont, Italy.
Vintage: 1964
Price: $315.00
Purchased From: Benchmark Wine Group; Napa, California.
Paired With: Veal and pasta.
Tasting:
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He said: At a recent party that featured Italian food and “old” Italian wines (i.e., Barolo) my contribution was a bottle of 1964 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Monforte e Perno. I think it was the oldest Barolo I’ve ever had and it really showed the age ability of Nebbiolo wine…it was EXTRAVAGANT, SUMPTUOUS and MEMORABLE. Even though it’s way over the top for wines we usually review on TastedOnline.com, I thought I’d share a little bit of my experience sipping this wine.
Opened and tasted immediately. Although there was a tint of ruby, the dominating color was brownish violet with the same color rim. Earthy, sweet cherries and red currents, distinct fresh thyme and quite nutty aromas; but, as it was sipped there were strong hints of floral that quickly brought images of our rose garden. Smooth, fully matured with a savory mouth-feel and taste that for me were very reminiscent of old Bual Madeira, but with a fresh, mineral and slightly spicy character. The fruit flavors were rich, complex and weighty, just enough acidity to give it spark, but the smooth tannins were the real highlight in the long fruity finish…every drop in the bottle had a smooth, round edge!!! We drank this wine, along with other Barolo’s over the course of several hours and it was just starting to fade at the very end of the party. Clearly, not inexpensive and at more that 50-years old it was a real treat to sip and share with friends.
Note: We drank this side-by-side with a 2008 Aldo Conterno Barolo which had similar tastes, but the additional 44 years of aging really did wonders to softening the tannins, fine tune the flavors and creating an incredible bottle of wine.
She said: Vicky is in California this week so we just have a “He said” review.
Photo from Poderi Aldo Conterno.
Alcohol Content: 11-14%
Closure: Cork.
UPC Code: NA
Imported by: Kirkcrest Imports; Danville, California.