Barolo producer Giacomo Conterno has purchased the prized nine-hectare Arione vineyard to the south of Serralunga d’Alba from Cantina Gigi Rosso.
Vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba
The south- and south-west-facing plot, which lies close to Conterno’s 14-hectare Francia vineyard, has almost 6ha planted, including just over 3.5ha Nebbiolo da Barolo, just over 1ha Nebbiolo d’Alba and just over 1ha Barbera d’Alba.
Conterno owner and winemaker Roberto Conterno did not reveal how much was paid for the vineyard, but told Decanter.com: ‘The investment from our side is significant, but I consider that – even though the price is high – it is however well spent for such an important vineyard.
‘Besides being a neighbouring vineyard [to Francia], Arione has always been considered one of the most beautiful cascine in Serralunga.’
He added that the wines would be vinified separately, as was previously done by Cantina Gigi Rosso. Bruno Giacosa also made wines from the Arione vineyard in the 1970s.
An American investor was also interested in buying the vineyard, which it is understood Rosso is selling to boost investment in its winery and vineyards at Castiglione Falletto.
Apart from Arione, Conterno also owns the 14-hectare Francia vineyard, including 9ha Nebbiolo da Barolo and 5ha Barbera d’Alba; and the three-hectare Cerretta vineyard (2ha Nebbiolo da Barolo and 1ha Barbera d’Alba).
Updated 20/03/2015 to change the name Bruno Conterno to Roberto Conterno.
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Written by Richard Woodard
