Wines Langhe Conterno Fantino - Ginestrino - 2021

Conterno Fantino’s 2021 Langhe Cuvée Ginestrino is an elegant red hailing from one of Piedmont’s most respected contemporary producers. This wine is crafted in the picturesque hills of the Langhe, an area celebrated for its complex reds and ancient winemaking traditions. While the exact blend is proprietary, typical cuvées from this estate revolve around classic Piedmontese varieties, with Nebbiolo often taking centre stage, perhaps complemented by Barbera or Dolcetto—although the name “Ginestrino” suggests a unique house expression. The 2021 vintage benefitted from a steady ripening season, yielding fruit of notable balance and freshness. Vinification here is a respectful combination of steel fermentation for brightness and partial oak maturation to round out the tannins and add a subtle spice, preserving varietal purity while achieving supple texture.

The Langhe sits in the heart of Piedmont, framed by the Alps and softly rolling vineyards. Its soils are a blend of marl, limestone and clay, lending structure and nuanced minerality to its wines. The microclimate is shaped by cold alpine winds and warm summer days, allowing slow, even grape ripening and expressive aromatics. This region has a storied history—long at the vanguard of Italian viticulture, producing wines that are both traditional and, increasingly, innovative.

On the table, a Langhe cuvée of this style is inherently versatile, matching beautifully with truffle-infused local dishes such as tajarin pasta or brasato al Barolo (wine-braised beef). It also pairs well with mushroom risottos, roasted game birds, and hard cheeses like Castelmagno or aged pecorino. The wine’s freshness and moderate tannins enable it to flatter savoury Mediterranean fare as well.

To appreciate its full aromatic spectrum, serve this red at 16-18°C, ideally after a brief decanting (about 30 minutes) to open up the bouquet. Enjoy over the next five years for its vibrancy and pure expression of Piedmont’s unique terroir.