Giacomo Conterno - Barolo Riserva Speciale Monfortino 1947

Giacomo Conterno - Barolo Riserva Monfortino 1947

An icon of Piedmont and a monument to longevity

Introduction: The myth of Monfortino
The name Giacomo Conterno stands for unshakeable tradition, the highest craftsmanship and purist Barolo. His "Monfortino" is not just a wine, but a benchmark by which all other great, long-lived red wines in the world must be measured. The vintages from the first half of the 20th century, including the legendary 1947, are more than just wines; they are liquid history and living proof of the incredible potential of the Nebbiolo grape.

Background: The winery and the philosophy
GiacomoConterno was one of the pioneers who developed Barolo not as an easily accessible, fruity wine, but as a powerful, tannin-rich and extremely long-lasting wine, in line with his philosophy "Il Vero Barolo" (the true Barolo). The Monfortino is only produced in the very best vintages from the best grapes from the Cascina Francia vineyard (later also Cerretta) and matures for at least seven years in large, old oak vats (botti). It is the purest expression of the "traditional" Barolo style - without the use of new barriques and without concessions to fashionable trends.

The 1947 vintage: Climatic conditions
The summer of 1947 in Piedmont was exceptionally hot and dry, a vintage that today would be described as the "vintage of the century". These conditions resulted in grapes with extreme ripeness, concentrated flavours and high sugar potential. At a time when cellar technology was still rudimentary, this meant an enormous intensity of fermentation and high alcohol levels. Such vintages produce wines of primal power and an almost indestructible structure that can develop over many decades.

Sensory description (based on historical tasting notes)
It is important to emphasise that the condition of a bottle from 1947 varies greatly today. However, an intact, perfectly stored bottle offers an unforgettable experience:

• Colour:Amazingly vibrant. Not a simple brick red, but a deep amber colour with orange reflections and a barely fading core. The colour testifies to an intact acidity and slow, controlled oxidation.

• Nose: The nose is of overwhelming complexity. The primary fruit aromas have long since given way to a symphony of tertiary aromas: dried mushrooms (truffle, porcini), fine leather, old wood, tobacco, tar, damp earth and a hint of dried violets and rosehip tea. Underneath, an astonishing fruit still resonates with flavours of preserved cherry and plum.

• Palate:The attack is powerful yet elegant. The once brute tannins have been honed over seven decades into a silky, almost imperceptible framework that gives the wine a wonderful texture. The acidity is still present and gives the wine a youthful freshness that is incredible for its age. The flavour is a repeat of the nose: a kaleidoscope of leather, forest floor, truffle, tobacco and a subtle, sweetish fruit note. The finish is eternally long, mineral and leaves an impression of unrivalled purity and depth.

Significance and legacy
The Monfortino 1947 is an icon for several reasons:

1. Historical testimony: it is a contemporary witness to post-war Piedmontese viticulture, produced using methods that are no longer practised in this way today.

2. Proof of longevity: This wine proves that a great Barolo can last a century and remain fascinating and vibrant. It is the answer to all doubts about the ageing capacity of wine.

3. Reference point:For collectors and connoisseurs, the 1947 is one of the holy grails. An intact bottle is extremely rare and of inestimable value.

4. Philosophical statement:Even today, this wine represents the unadulterated, uncompromising philosophy of the Conterno family - that true greatness requires patience, respect for the grape and the courage to embrace tradition.

Conclusion
The Barolo Riserva Monfortino 1947 by Giacomo Conterno is more than just a drink. It is a drinkable work of art, a legend in a bottle and one of the most moving experiences the world of wine has to offer. It symbolises the immortality that can lie dormant in a grape when it is guided by the hands of a master. Tasting this wine is not a tasting, but a pilgrimage into the soul of Barolo.