Barolo Contratto 1965
This 1965 Barolo is a Denominazione di Origine Controllata red wine produced by Giuseppe Contratto. Crafted from the Nebbiolo grape, it originates from the prestigious Barolo area, located in the Langhe hills southwest of Alba in northwestern Italy. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%.
The Nebbiolo grape is an Italian top-tier variety closely tied to the Piedmont region, particularly the Barolo and Barbaresco areas. It is widely recognized for producing elegant wines with significant structural depth. Piedmont itself, meaning "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is celebrated for its small, family-driven wineries with a strong focus on terroir. The dramatic, steep hills of the Langhe are often enveloped in thick autumn morning fog, which naturally protects the vineyards. The area is also a renowned gastronomic center, famous for Alba white truffles and local hazelnuts.
Contratto is a cornerstone of Italian wine history. Founded in 1867 by Giuseppe Contratto in Canelli, within the Asti zone, it is Italy's oldest producer of traditional method bottle-fermented sparkling wines. The house cemented its pioneer status in 1919 by launching Italy's first vintage sparkling wine. The estate is famous for its underground 'Wine Cathedral,' a complex of cellars carved directly into the tuff rock, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014.
Historically, the estate held the esteemed titles of official supplier to the Vatican, noted on the label as "Fornitore Pontificio," and to the Italian royal house of Savoy, marked as "Fornitore della Real Casa." The label also bears the registered trademark "Etichetta Depositata" and the house motto "Ex Vite Vita." Following a period of ownership by the Bocchino family starting in 1993, the estate was acquired in 2011 by Giorgio Rivetti, under whose guidance Contratto continues to produce both sparkling and still Piedmont wines.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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