The 2008 Barolo Romirasco is striking. It possesses a cool, mineral-drenched personality similar to the Cicala, but with an extra dimension of textural finesse. Sweet red berries, flowers, mint and crushed rocks are woven together in this exquisite, gorgeous Barolo. Powerful and authoritative, the Romirasco impresses for its depth and unmistakable pedigree. Today the 2008 is an infant, but great things are in store for those who can wait. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
-Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #200 Apr 2012

The Conterno family started bottling this single vineyard wine after 2004 when they didn't make Gran Bussia, which is a blend of Rominasco, Cicala and Colonello. Incredible aromas of crushed strawberries with blueberries and minerals with hints of porcini mushrooms. Intense and deep nose. Full-bodied, with great depth of fruit with chewy tannins and a long finish of balsamic, dried fruits and chewy. Superb. Try in 2016.

Robert Parker''s Wine Advocate 30/04/2012

The 2008 Barolo Romirasco is striking. It possesses a cool, mineral-drenched personality similar to the Cicala, but with an extra dimension of textural finesse. Sweet red berries, flowers, mint and crushed rocks are woven together in this exquisite, gorgeous Barolo. Powerful and authoritative, the Romirasco impresses for its depth and unmistakable pedigree. Today the 2008 is an infant, but great things are in store for those who can wait. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.

My tasting at Aldo Conterno was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Piemonte. The 2008s are super-classic wines that will thrill Barolo lovers. The harvest took place at the end of October, quite late by modern-day standards. The Conterno brothers continue to lengthen macerations. In 2008 the Granbussia saw 40-45 days of skin contact, the longest ever. Speaking of Granbussia, Conterno has cut production on their flagship wine by a whopping two-thirds in order to bottle only the best juice under their top label. This also frees up juice for the Romirasco bottling, which is now a permanent part of the lineup, rather than a wine that is only made when there is no Granbussia, which was the case until just a few years ago. The unexpected success of the Romirasco bottling is one of the many positive things that have taken place at Aldo Conterno recently. The Conterno family embodies so many of the human values that make Piemonte such a special place. It’s great to see them back at the top of their game.

Importer: Massanois Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 470-6769

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