Barolo producers often fall into two camps: modernists, favoring riper styles with more oak from smaller barrels, and classicists, who prioritize elegance and ageability through extended maceration and large cask aging. Paolo Conterno, founded in 1886 as ‘Casa della Ginestra,’ firmly belongs to the latter. Its flagship ‘Ginestra’ bottling comes from a prime, south-facing vineyard in Monforte d’Alba, with 30–35-year-old vines rooted in clay and calcium-rich soil. Grapes are hand-harvested over 10 days, de-stemmed, and macerated for 18–25 days, followed by time in large casks and 6–12 months of bottle aging. The 2013 vintage is marked by structure, fine tannins, and elegance. Don’t let the delicate aromas of this wine fool you; there is significant power lurking underneath.