Conteisa Barolo DOP — 2020
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Introduction
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WINERY Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the GAJA winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels.
WINE The Piedmontese word Conteisa (in English: contest) recalls the dispute which lasted for over 100 years between the two municipalities of La Morra and Barolo for the possession of the Cerequio area. The dispute was finally settled with the agreement signed in 1275, which can be found in La Morra municipal archives.
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Vineyard Profile
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The Conteisa single vineyard is located in La Morra. It faces south and consists of clay, calcareous marl soils and sand.
- Vineyards: La Morra
- Appellation: Barolo DOP
- Location: Piedmont
- First Year of Production: 1996
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 vintage wines have precise, complex fruit expressions and clean, elegant aromas. A memorable vintage for us. In 2020, rain was atypically distributed, concentrating in summer rather than winter and spring. Most winter rain fell in November, including early snowfall on the 15th, mitigating the drought from December to March. Winter temperatures were mild, especially in January 2020. Cold temperatures below freezing arrived mid-March and lasted a month, but no frost damage occurred. Apart from heat peaks in late May, August, and mid-September, May to early October had alternating warm days and thunderstorms followed by cooler days. Despite frequent summer thunderstorms, none of our vineyards were damaged by hail for the first time in years. Significant temperature variations in September and October favored the color, aromas, and health of the grapes. Nebbiolo’s harvest started on September 18th and finished on October 8th with great satisfaction.
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Vinification
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Fermentation, maceration and aging in oak for 30 months.
- Barrel Fermentation: Aged in oak for 30 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Delicate nose, with hints of cherry compote, mint, marzipan, sweet and spicy notes of ginger, and pepper. In the mouth it is delicate, ethereal and elegant, with very sweet and spicy tannin, notes of wild mint and a long, lingering finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Conteisa Barolo DOP — 2020 – Vinous – 97 Points
"The 2020 Barolo Conteisa is fabulous. Once again, Conteisa makes a very strong case for itself as the most improved wine at Gaja. Sensual, silky tannins and lifted aromatics capture the pinnacle of finesse. Medium in body, gracious and impeccable in its balance, Conteisa is stunning in its beauty. In the past, I had always considered Conteisa the lesser of the Gaja Barolos, but that is no longer the case."
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Conteisa Barolo DOP — 2020 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points
"This Barolo opens with captivating aromas of cherries and ripe strawberries that intermingle with savory aromas of dried herbs and a touch of earthiness. The palate unveils a medley of baked cranberries and stewed spiced plums, complemented by sweet and savory spices. The firm and taut structure showcases the wine's inherent elegance and power, exemplifying the hallmark characteristics of the esteemed house and wine."
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Conteisa Barolo DOP — 2020 – James Suckling – 98 Points
"This is a really enticing wine with an open and vivid nature that tells you right away it is Barolo, but it’s polished and sweetly tannic. You want to taste and taste. It’s medium- to full-bodied with rounded tannins and a savory finish. Juicy and so approachable now. Better in a couple of years, but hard to resist now."
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Conteisa Barolo DOP — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
"This spicy, cherry-scented red offers a lacy texture and elegant profile, with cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, anise, iron and wild herb flavors driven by bracing acidity. Balanced overall, extending on the resonant finish."