Nervi-Conterno Vigna Molsino Gattinara 2020

Nervi-Conterno Vigna Molsino Gattinara 2020 is a sublime expression of Nebbiolo from the cooler, volcanic hills of northern Piedmont. Often described by Roberto Conterno as having a Barolo-like character, it marries depth and structure with the more generous, approachable side that Gattinara can offer. This single-vineyard bottling highlights the softness and finesse suggested by its name, “Molsino,” derived from a local word for “soft.” What sets this wine apart is its combination of dark, layered fruit with a velvety, almost caressing texture, all anchored by the tension and precision typical of top Nebbiolo. Compared to its sibling Vigna Valferana—which shows a more vertical, mineral-driven profile—Vigna Molsino offers a broader, more textural palate framed by sweet earth and spice. With roots tracing back to one of the oldest estates in Gattinara and guided today by the legendary Roberto Conterno, this wine carries both historical gravitas and modern precision.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 Vigna Molsino Gattinara shows a deep, luminous garnet hue with brick-tinged edges, typical of high-quality Nebbiolo. The color is refined rather than opaque, hinting at both concentration and elegance. The nose is complex and slow to reveal itself, opening with dark cherry and black raspberry, followed by notes of dried rose petal, violet, sweet tobacco, and crushed herbs. With air, nuances of warm spice—star anise, clove, and a touch of cinnamon—mingle with hints of forest floor, sweet earth, and subtle tar and licorice. On the palate, the wine is layered and supple, with a velvety, almost “soft” texture that reflects its vineyard name. Flavors of ripe morello cherry, black currant, and plum are woven with cocoa powder, blood orange zest, and savory undertones of leather and iron-rich earth. The tannins are fine-grained yet authoritative, giving structure without harshness, while the acidity is vibrant and linear, keeping the wine fresh, lifted, and incredibly food-friendly. The finish is long and detailed, echoing dark fruit, spice, and mineral notes long after each sip. This is a wine built for aging. While already generous and inviting in its youth, it will gain complexity and tertiary nuances—truffle, dried flowers, and underbrush—over 10–20 years or more in a good cellar. Decanting now will reward you with increasing aromatic complexity and textural harmony over the course of a meal.

Production
Vigna Molsino is a historic amphitheater-shaped vineyard in Gattinara, perched on the sloping foothills of the Alps in northern Piedmont. The terroir is defined by its poor, rocky soils of ancient volcanic origin—rich in porphyry and iron—combined with significant diurnal temperature swings. This combination yields Nebbiolo with intense aromatics, firm structure, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The site’s exposure and natural protection create a slightly warmer microclimate than Barolo, contributing to the wine’s generous fruit and textural softness. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with meticulous selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly healthy clusters make it to the cellar. Traditional, detail-focused winemaking follows: gentle crushing and a long, slow maceration to extract fine tannins and aromatics rather than roughness. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels before the wine is aged in large neutral oak botti, a hallmark of classic Piedmontese technique. This approach allows Nebbiolo’s purity, vineyard character, and natural structure to shine without being dominated by new oak, resulting in a wine of clarity, depth, and authenticity.

Food & Serving
Nervi-Conterno Vigna Molsino Gattinara 2020 is a superb partner for refined, savory dishes that can stand up to Nebbiolo’s structure and complexity. Think traditional Piedmontese cuisine: braised veal shank (ossobuco), brasato al Barolo-style braised beef, tajarin pasta with ragù, or veal cheek with polenta. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, roast lamb, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, or mature alpine cheeses. Truffle-based dishes—especially with earthy mushrooms—highlight the wine’s floral, earthy side. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to preserve freshness while allowing the aromatics to open fully. For current drinking, decanting 1–2 hours before serving is recommended to soften the tannins and unlock the full spectrum of dark fruit and spice. As the wine matures, a shorter decant—mainly to separate any sediment—will be sufficient, with the wine continuing to evolve beautifully in the glass over the course of an evening.

Producer
Nervi-Conterno is the meeting of one of Piedmont’s oldest Gattinara estates with one of its most revered Barolo families. Founded in the 19th century, Nervi has long been a benchmark for Nebbiolo grown on Gattinara’s volcanic slopes. In 2018, the estate entered a new chapter when Roberto Conterno of Giacomo Conterno—considered one of Barolo’s greatest traditionalists—took the helm, bringing his exacting standards and deep understanding of Nebbiolo to the northern reaches of Piedmont. Under the Nervi-Conterno banner, the estate has reasserted Gattinara’s historic status as a grand Nebbiolo terroir, once considered on par with Barolo and Barbaresco. Single-vineyard bottlings like Vigna Molsino and Vigna Valferana showcase the region’s diversity and potential, emphasizing purity of fruit, precision, and age-worthiness. Today, Nervi-Conterno is widely recognized as a leading voice in Gattinara, helping to elevate the appellation on the world stage through meticulous vineyard work and classically inspired, uncompromising winemaking.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.