E. Molino WinesSergio Molino is a highly respected consulting enologist in Piedmont and throughout Italy, having begun consulting under the guidance of his older brother Pierluigi at just 18 years old. After the passing of his father Ernesto, the family shifted to selling grapes rather than producing wine, until Sergio revived the family label in 2008 with his first vintage of Bricco Rocca. The Molino family vineyards, bottled under the Ernesto Molino label as homage to Sergio’s father, lie within the Barolo commune of La Morra, in the hamlet of Frazione Annunziata. At the base of the hill that leads up to town, just across the border from Castiglione Falletto, the property includes 6 hectares of land including gardens, meadows, and vineyards, all farmed organically since 2013. Locations such as these, low down on a slope, were considered less desirable, but with global warming, the cool air that settles here at night now helps moderate the heat and add freshness to the wines. Being lower on a slope also helps alleviate hydric stress, which occurs when plants release more water than they absorb, and is part of the broader challenge climate change is inflicting on Piedmont. Sergio has a meticulous touch in the cellar, wanting to understand and control every aspect of both land and winemaking. With the Bricco Rocca as his sole Barolo vineyard, its vines over 60 years old, and approximately 2.5 hectares under vine, his is a true micro-winery producing around 6,000 bottles per year across a Barbera Superiore, a Nebbiolo, a Barolo, and in exceptional years, a Barolo Riserva. |
Sergio Molino Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
Stainless steel fermentation with short maceration (5 to 7 days) results in a fruit forward, approachable wine.
Sergio makes his Langhe Nebbiolo from younger vines and employs a much shorter maceration time to keep the wine fresher and the bouquet more pronounced than his two larger-scale and very ageworthy Barolos. Even though Sergio calls this his ‘white wine,’ (with tongue firmly in cheek) that doesn’t mean this is a lighter style of Langhe Nebbiolo. No. Anything but. Despite the short steeping time and stainless steel aging, this is about as characterful as Langhe Nebb gets! The lifted Morello cherry, black tea, blood orange and fresh and dried herbs just about jump from the glass, leading to a palate that is vibrant, nuanced and plush. The fruit flavors are captivating, the acidity is bright and the tannins crunchy.
$75 Cellar Club price
Retail: $129
Limited Availability - Limit three (3) per Cellar Club Member
Sergio Molino Langhe DOCG Terrazze Del Pelorosso
A new expression from the Terrazze del Pelorosso vineyard, with its first vintage in 2021 and the 2023 release now certified as Barolo DOCG.
Whole bunches form the base, with a further portion foot pressed and the remainder crushed and destemmed, before 15 to 20 days of maceration in large open-top tonneau. Aged in old oak for 12 months.
$139 Cellar Club price
Retail: $240
Limited Availability - Limit two (2) per Cellar Club Member
Sergio Molino Barolo DOCG Riserva del Fico
Riserva del Fico is the pinnacle of Sergio’s wines. Harvested from the highest, most southern facing portion of the Bricco Rocca vineyard surrounded by a large shading fig tree.
From the finest grapes of his Bricco Rocca vineyard, Sergio produces his Barolo Riserva del Fico. An intensely complex wine with notes of eucalyptus, plum jam, wild herbs, licorice, and tobacco. Graceful on the palate, a full flavor of black fruit where tannins and acidity balance beautifully.
$274 Cellar Club price
Retail: $445
Extremely Limited Availability - Limit one (1) per Cellar Club Member
Daniele Conterno WinesDaniele Conterno considers himself very lucky as he does the job he loves and is supported by his large beautiful family in one of the most perfect places in the world. He represents the fourth generation of producers. Starting with Great Grandfather Pietro Conterno and 18 hectares of land. The land passed to his Grandfather Giacomo. Then to his father Franco who he still works with everyday. Daniele grew up in the vineyards with his brother Andrea. So far, he tries to express what his wines mean for him in every bottle. For Daniele, wine is a natural product that reflects what is in the earth what is in his land, and what is in the history of his family. Many people ask: “are you a traditionalist or a modernist.” Daniele answers: “I really love the traditional way of producing wines, but I am always keeping an eye on what is new, and experimenting to push the level of what is possible while respecting my father and grandfather’s wishes.” In 2005, his father Franco made the decision to become certified organic. Daniele and his brother embraced that idea. Daniele is excited about his new project. Having his own wines with the full blessing of his father Franco, Daniele is excited for his sons to continue the long tradition. |
Daniele Conterno Sette Anni 2014 Riserva DOCG
“Our winery is based at Cascina Sciulun, a historic Piedmont farmhouse built in the mid-19th century. We represent the fourth generation of producers starting with our great grandfather, Pietro Conterno and 37 hectares of land. The land passed to my grandfather, Giacomo, then to my father, Franco, who I still work with everyday.” ~Daniele Conterno, Winemaker
Made with grapes from the most important vineyards, Bussia, Panerole and Pugnane, located respectively in Monforte d’Alba, Novello and Castiglione Falletto. Vibrant red color with light orange notes; rich and complex nose; coarse, powerful and tannic flavor. Notes cherries and plum complemented by subtle oak, tobacco, and leather; layers of raspberry and blueberry with a bouquet of roses. Full-bodied with racy acidity and firm, mature tannins. Organically farmed grapes; aged in French oak for 7 years. 92 Pts. James Suckling.
$199 Cellar Club price
Retail: $365
Extremely Limited Availability - Limit two (2) per Cellar Club Member