About this wine
Gran Bussia is the undisputed flagship of Aldo Conterno, produced only in exceptional vintages from the finest plots within the Bussia MGA in Monforte d'Alba. A blend of three subplots—70% Romirasco, 15% Cicala, and 15% Colonnello—representing the pinnacle of Piedmontese winemaking. The wine spends at least 9 years in the cellar before release, including extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks (botti). The result is a wine of extraordinary complexity, power, and longevity, characterized by intense aromas of dried roses, tar, truffle, and dark berries, with firm, refined tannins that soften magnificently over decades.
One of the world's greatest age-worthy red wines. Always decant for at least 2–3 hours before drinking, or better yet, cellar it for 15–20 years from vintage to unlock its full complexity.
Sommelier's Note
"Gran Bussia is one of Barolo's crown jewels—a rare wine that demands patience but rewards it magnificently. In great vintages like 1996, 2001, 2010, or 2016, it can evolve for 30–40 years, revealing layers of complexity that few wines in the world can match. This is a wine to purchase now and preserve for a moment that truly deserves the extraordinary."
Food Pairings
Pairs superbly with rich game dishes, braised red meats (brasato al Barolo), truffle-infused pasta (tajarin al tartufo), roasted Piedmontese beef, and aged cheeses like Castelmagno. Also exceptional with umami-rich Japanese dishes such as Wagyu sukiyaki or grilled eel with soy-based glaze.
When to drink it
Reserved for life's most meaningful celebrations: milestone anniversaries, exceptional dinners, or as the centerpiece of a serious collector's tasting.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- $500–900+ per bottle (varies significantly by vintage)
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Nebbiolo (Michet and Lampia clones) sourced from three Bussia subplots: 70% Romirasco, 15% Cicala, 15% Colonnello. Fermented in stainless steel vats with 4–5 weeks of skin contact at temperatures up to 32°C. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) for 30+ months, followed by extended bottle aging. Total aging in the cellar: minimum 9 years before release. Produced only in the finest vintages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Gran Bussia taste like?
- It offers a profound profile of dried roses, tar, balsamic notes, truffle, and dark fruits with structured, silky tannins that become more expressive over decades of cellaring.
- What food should I pair with Gran Bussia Barolo?
- It demands rich, savory dishes—braised beef (brasato al Barolo), truffle pasta, roasted game, or aged Castelmagno cheese. In Japanese cuisine, Wagyu sukiyaki or grilled eel with soy glaze are exceptional matches.
- When is the best time to drink Gran Bussia?
- It needs at least 15–20 years from the vintage to reach its peak, and can evolve magnificently for 30–40 years in great vintages like 2010 or 2016.
- How is Gran Bussia different from Aldo Conterno's regular Barolo?
- Gran Bussia is produced only in exceptional vintages and blends the three finest Bussia subplots, then ages at least 9 years before release—making it significantly richer, more complex, and longer-lived than the estate's single-vineyard bottlings.
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