Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding - a wine of superior character and style.  "Offers rich aromas of plum and berry. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and rich. All in harmony. Best after 2010. 695 cases made." Oct 2007

Winery:  "Dark ruby red, tending to garnet.  Elegant bouquet, clearly showing red fruit, especially blackberry.  Soft, nicely balanced taste, with well-proportioned acidity and tannins."

Wired For Wine:  The estate bottled Conterno Fantino Vigna del Gris Barolo has incredibly soft tannins for a Barolo, making it even more accessible to the wineloving population.  Accessible, yes; available, no.  It's hard to find this Barolo in the U.S.   The full body, well-proportioned acidity and super-ripe aromatics make the Vigna Del Gris an ideal accompaniment for beef, rare meats, game and white truffles for you gourmands out there.  We absolutely love this wine with a hearty, robust beef stew which has cooked for hours.  A magical thing happens when you have them together; each is even better with the pairing.  If you prefer game, the combination of roast venison with chestnuts will not disappoint.  If a little less meat is what you like, how about a pasta dish with a rich meat sauce like a lamb or oxtail ragout?  Perfetto.  For those of you who like your steak or beef roasts rare, this Barolo was made for you.  Grill that steak rare, stir up some white truffle risotto, and ride off into this garnet Barolo sunset.  Enjoy the beautiful balance and sweet red fruits alone in a final glass or two to finish off a memorable meal.  If you're up for one more pairing, make it a top quality Parmigiana Reggiano.  Assolutamente squisito!

Size:  750ml
Vintage: 2003
Varietal:  100% Nebbiolo
Vinification:  Maceration on skins in rotating paddle fermenters, 7-10 days
Ageing:  24 months French oak barriques, followed by 12 months in bottle
Alcohol:  14.0%
Region: Ginestra, Montforte d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy
Production:  695 dozen