2017 Diego Conterno Ferrione Barbera d'Alba Piedmont 750 ml

Any time the name Conterno is mentioned, wine lovers tend to make two assumptions: The wines are going to be spectacular, and they’re going to be fairly pricey.

Not this one. The 2017 Diego Conterno Ferrione Barbera d’Alba Piedmont is a unique opportunity to taste the famous Conterno magic for less than $50. This single-vineyard Barbera is magnificent, the nose perfumed with classic Piemontese notes of lavender, roses, tar, and juicy black cherries, the palate mouth-watering and lively with blackberries, cranberries, and cherries. 

Diego Conterno, of the family that has produced the critically beloved Conterno-Fantino wines, struck out on his own in 2000 and quickly made a name for himself as a producer of particularly serious ambition—and the talent to match it. His Barolos are among the best in the region, and he gives the same intense attention to this Barbera, too.

It’s grown on a tiny south-west facing hillside plot in Monforte d’Alba, farmed organically, and aged for 10 months in large 500-liter oak barrels, which soften the texture of the wine while still allowing its inherently vivid acidity to shine through.

New World Pinot Noir collectors will fall for its generous berry fruit and soft tannins. Grenache lovers, and fans of the Southern Rhône in particular, will adore its lavender and juicy dark cherry flavors.

A single-vineyard Barbera d’Alba from one of Piedmont’s greatest wine-producing families is reason to cheer.