2023 Diego Conterno Baluma Nebbiolo Langhe

In 2000, Diego Conterno made a bold move. After helping build one of Barolo's most respected modern estates, Conterno-Fantino, over nearly twenty years, he walked away to pursue his own vision. His goal wasn't fame or fortune—it was authenticity. He wanted to show what Nebbiolo could be when handled gently, when allowed to express itself naturally. The Ferrione vineyard lies at 1,500 feet with ideal southwestern exposure, with 15-year-old vines growing in clay-limestone soils identical to those producing $100+ Barolos just a few hundred meters away. The only difference? A classification boundary that makes this prestigious fruit an incredible value. Today, Diego (no close relation to the Aldo/Giacomo Conterno clan) works alongside his son Stefano, farming organically and fermenting with wild yeasts. Their approach marries old-school wisdom with modern precision: temperature-controlled fermentations ensure purity while traditional methods (read: no new oak) preserve the soul of the appe