Wines from Nervi Conterno

History

Luigi Nervi founded the winery in 1906, and it is the oldest working producer in Gattinara, the Piedmont zone that in 1967 was among the first to be given DOCG status. His son Italo expanded it by buying vineyards and enlarging the cellars. After Italo died in 1975 the estate changed hands several times. In 1991 it passed to Germano Bocciolone, who built a stainless steel winery and replanted the Molsino vineyard. His sons sold a majority share to the Astrup family in 2011.

Roberto Conterno, of the Giacomo Conterno winery in Barolo, took over after consulting for the estate. One source says he acquired 90 percent in 2018, built a new winery and renovated the historic one.

The land and the vineyards

The estate has around 27 hectares of Nebbiolo, called Spanna in the area, planted on loose soils rich in volcanic porphyry. The historic crus are Molsino, Valferana, Garavoglie and Casacce.

Molsino is the largest and sits at about 420 metres on the western edge of the DOCG, facing mostly south west. Valferana covers 8 hectares, is higher and a little sandier, and is rich in iron and manganese.

The wines

The wines are built on Nebbiolo, with single vineyard bottlings from Molsino and Valferana alongside a Gattinara and a rosé. Gattinara has a long link to the grape: in 1787 Thomas Jefferson is said to have drunk his first Gattinara at an inn in Vercelli.

Today

Since the change of ownership the wines carry the name Conterno Nervi on some labels. The estate brings together the oldest Gattinara name and the skill of one of Barolo's best known houses.

Founded

1906

Area

Gattinara, Piedmont

Vineyards

About 27 hectares

Main grapes

Nebbiolo (Spanna)

Owners

Roberto Conterno (majority, from 2018)