Conterno Fantino Barolo Ginestra "Vigna Sori Ginestra" DOCG 2022
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 96] [JS 96] [WA 94] [VM 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:

100% Nebbiolo from the historic Ginestra cru of Monforte d’Alba, one of the finest for Barolo, and 30-year-old vines, Guyot-trained. Soil is 27% sand, 51% silt and 22% clay, and surface under vine is 3 hectares, i.e. 7.4 acres. Gradient is 30%, exposure southern and altitude 360 meters (1,181 feet) above sea level. Crop yield is a mere 1.2 kilos per vine. Harvest is in mid-October (around Oct. 11th-20th). The wine is aged 2 years in French barriques, bottled around mid-July, and bottle-aged for a further year previous to release.

VINEYARD CHARACTARISTICS
Guyot-trained vines on the historical Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba; soil is 27% sand, 51% silt, 22% clay, surface 3 ha., ie 7.4 acres; age of vines 30 yrs old, 30% gradient. Exposure southern, altitude 360 meters asl, 1,181 ft, crops 1.2 kilos per vine

VINIFICATION AND AGING: Skin maceration for 7-10 days, ageing 2 yrs in French oak barriques, 1 yr in bottle.

TASTING NOTES
Deep garnet with ruby hues, rich, fruity and persistent bouquet of rose petals, brushwood and berries; full-bodied, luscious and austere on the palate

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Best served at 20° C (68° F), decanting 2 hours beforehand and paired with red meat and game

ANALYSIS DATA

Grapes: Nebbiolo (Lampia and Michet clones)
Longevity: Extremely long-living
Production: 
Winemaker: Guido & Fabio Fantino

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“Bright red-orange in hue, the 2022 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sori Ginestra is initially reserved but reveals anise, amaro-like herbs, and vibrant red fruit with air. It has layered tension and energy throughout, with depth building steadily across the palate. Structured and tightly wound, it will benefit from time. Drink 2028-2048.” - Audrey Frick (Apr 2026)

95 Points - James Suckling:

"Intense and engaging with depth and complexity, showing aromas of bergamot, mint, potpourri and dried cherries alongside licorice, smoky wood and minerals. A perfect mix of modern and traditional styles. Graphite on the palate with firm, dusty yet ripe tannins, crisp acidity and a long, prune-tinged finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027. " - JS (Feb 2026)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
“

The Conterno Fantino 2022 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is savory and spicy with lifted notes of sweet cinnamon, musky perfume and church incense that rise gracefully from the glass. The bouquet is generous and layered, reflecting 24 months in French oak followed by another year in bottle, while the ripe fruit adds depth and richness. From a 2.3-hectare parcel on the sandy Sant'Agata Fossil Marls of Ginestra, the wine ultimately reflects the vintage with a leaner, more streamlined finish. The tannins remain on the dry side, but the wine would benefit from a few more years in bottle. Production is 12,200 bottles.” - Monica Larner (Jul 2026)

94 Points - Vinous Media:

"The 2022 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is a powerful, compact wine. Naturally, the 2022 does not have the textural breadth, resonance and dimension of the best years. Even so, the dark, deeply spiced, earthy profile that is such a signature of Ginestra is very much in evidence. Broad, large-grained tannins and a kick of torrefaction from French oak wrap it all together. Give this time and see what happens." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2026)