Rating:
93+
Antonio Galloni - Vinous
"Conti's 2008 Boca Il Rosso delle Donne is simply striking. A big, full-bodied wine, the 2008 opens up with savory herbs, tar, anise, mint and the blackest of cherries. Dense and full-bodied on the palate, the 2008 has plenty of the aromatics that are typical of these wines, along with superb depth and fabulous persistence. There is more than enough structure to support years of exceptional drinking. This is a fabulous effort from Conti and a great example of Boca."
Product Description:
"Following in the path of their father, Ermanno Conti, the Conti sisters (Elena, Anna & Paola) are the second generation to tend the family’s single hectare in the Boca DOC, which is comprised of two hillside parcels, planted by Ermanno in 1971. The estate becomes our fourth grower associated with the ViniVeri consortium, along with Paolo Bea, Podere Le Boncie and the founder, Cappellano. The Contis believe strongly in the consortium’s philosophy, following non-interventionist practices in their pursuit of the truest wine possible. Boca encompasses twelve hectares amongst five villages, split amongst eleven different vineyard owners. While Nebbiolo is the principal grape, Vespolina and Uva Rara are integral parts of the DOC as well. The soils are composed of limestone, clay and sand, similar in profile to Gattinara, which is a short 10km drive to the southwest. Castello Conti farms organically, then after a manual harvest, spontaneous fermentation occurs in steel cuve. The wine then spends three undisturbed years in both botti (500L barrels) and a variety of larger barrels, with no batonnage. No sulphur is added until a minimal dose at bottling. The wine is 75% Nebbiolo, 20% Vespolina and 5% Uva Rara, and the three varietals are vinified separately, then assembled prior to barrel aging. In 1996, the sisters decided to include the name ‘il rosso delle donne’ to add their mark to the family tradition. Fortunately for everyone, the estate also maintains a substantial cellar of older vintages, several of which we are fortunate enough to offer here." -Importer