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The March 2026 Auction: Part 3
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1 / 2Lot 1552
Estimate: $875
1 lightly scuffed, 1 very lightly scuffed capsule, 1 nicked, 1 lightly scuffed label.
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
95WA
"The 1990 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is a ripe, exotic beauty endowed with plenty of tar, roses, licorice and wild herbs. Still spectacularly rich and intense, this full-bodied, layered Barolo offers superb length and a sweeping finish where the glycerin and sheer weight of the vintage come through in spades . . . . These two fabulous Barolos from Aldo Conterno reflect a highly successful period in the estate’s history. The winery, formally known as Poderi Aldo Conterno, traces its history back to 1969 when brothers Aldo and Giovanni Conterno divided their family’s estate in Monforte. Each of the two brothers kept a portion of wines then in bottle, demijohn or cask, which explains the existence of pre-1969 Aldo Conterno bottles. Aldo Conterno has an unusual background for a Piedmontese winemaker of his generation because he lived in the US for a few years in the 1950s. After the passing of his American uncle, Conterno actually spent two years in the US military . . . . Aldo’s top Barolo, Granbussia, is a blend of three vineyards; 70% Romirasco, 15% Colonello, 15% Cicala, and is only made in top vintages that present perfect growing conditions in all three sites. The component wines are fermented separately in steel, then aged in cask for three years, prior to being moved into steel for a further two years before bottling. To the best of my knowledge, no other winery leaves their Barolos so long in steel prior to bottling, but Aldo Conterno believes steel helps him keep the wine fresh, much as the demijohn did in a previous era."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"The 1990 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is a ripe, exotic beauty endowed with plenty of tar, roses, licorice and wild herbs. Still spectacularly rich and intense, this full-bodied, layered Barolo offers superb length and a sweeping finish where the glycerin and sheer weight of the vintage come through in spades . . . . These two fabulous Barolos from Aldo Conterno reflect a highly successful period in the estate’s history. The winery, formally known as Poderi Aldo Conterno, traces its history back to 1969 when brothers Aldo and Giovanni Conterno divided their family’s estate in Monforte. Each of the two brothers kept a portion of wines then in bottle, demijohn or cask, which explains the existence of pre-1969 Aldo Conterno bottles. Aldo Conterno has an unusual background for a Piedmontese winemaker of his generation because he lived in the US for a few years in the 1950s. After the passing of his American uncle, Conterno actually spent two years in the US military . . . . Aldo’s top Barolo, Granbussia, is a blend of three vineyards; 70% Romirasco, 15% Colonello, 15% Cicala, and is only made in top vintages that present perfect growing conditions in all three sites. The component wines are fermented separately in steel, then aged in cask for three years, prior to being moved into steel for a further two years before bottling. To the best of my knowledge, no other winery leaves their Barolos so long in steel prior to bottling, but Aldo Conterno believes steel helps him keep the wine fresh, much as the demijohn did in a previous era."
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Italy grows more indigenous grape varieties than any other country and produces wine in all 20 of its regions. From Piedmont's Nebbiolo to Tuscany's Sangiovese, its finest wines pair structure and bright acidity with a strong sense of place.
In Italy's northwest, Piedmont is home to Nebbiolo, the grape behind the powerful, perfumed and long-lived reds of Barolo and Barbaresco. Fog-shrouded hills and calcareous soils define its greatest wines.
The 'King of Wines,' a powerful, tannic and perfumed Nebbiolo from Piedmont's Langhe hills, celebrated for tar-and-roses aromatics and extraordinary aging potential.
Produces pale but powerfully tannic and perfumed reds with tar, rose and cherry notes. The grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, it is among the most age-worthy in the world.