The La Contea di Neive Estate
The wine is a living material, with an exact date of birth, an evolutionary path and an end determined by its ability to continue over the years. Each wine should be tasted at the best time of its evolution, because only then will express their optimum harmony on the type to which it belongs.
The care for the quality, love for their land and why not, by the ambition to compete with the production of wine, real engine of the agricultural economy of Alba, was born, the work of Tonino Verro, in the early 90 a small farm, with appropriate technology, also known as La Contea. Tonino's commitment also extends to the vineyards spread over the hills of the Langhe and Roero and the production decision is aimed at the quality, the lower yield of the strains has increased the structure of the wines, the concentration in color, fruity fragrances and in complexity of taste.
As the restaurant is owned by Tonino so the farm is in the hands of Claudia. Match of the few vineyards of ownership, increased by all the vineyards in the best surì acquired, we now offer a very special wines from grapes treated with natural methods and organic farming, especially with so much passion.
The La Contea di Neive Vineyard
Barbaresco became a DOC in 1966 and it has been a DOCG since 1980.
In Neive, the Nebbiolo grape is fourth in plantings behind the cultivation of Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato but this region is known for making some of the most powerful and tannic expressions of Barbaresco. Located east of Barbaresco, Neive is responsible for 31% of Barbaresco's production and makes some of the most full bodied and tannic wines.
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When we consider the potential of a piece of land to grow world-class wine, we immerse ourselves in the physical characteristics of soil type, depth, texture and drainage, slope aspect, sun exposure, et cetera—myriad complex details. On site potential alone, Jentoft likely sits at the top of our entire vineyard portfolio.
The site’s coastal marine soils are remarkably shallow with underlying sandstone bedrock poking through the topsoil. Lean, “boney” soils generally yield low-vigor vines and powerful wines, and that’s what we have here. The potential is incredible, and now that these vines are mature, we’re seeing the promise realized.
-Winery Notes:
Our first vintage of Ryan Pinot Noir was 2002 and it featured Dutton-Widdoes Vineyard at its core. This vineyard is one of the earliest plantings in Green Valley – 1984. At that time the vineyards were wide spaced, planted without irrigation and grown on a trellis that shaded the fruit. Now, all these years later we have hardy, experienced vines that have pretty much seen everything, and in these days of climatic extremes, these deep-rooted vines can tolerate drought and heat without issue. The fruit is uniquely characterful – wild berries, rich umami/truffle notes, underbrushy/woodsy complexity. When we layer in some bright coastal Jentoft fruit, the blend comes alive and infuses every corner of your palate. I’ve always loved that first 2002 Ryan bottling and this new vintage takes me back to our earlier DuMOL days. A wine for reflection.
The aromatics highlight the essence of our coastal Green Valley environment: wild berries, thyme, spearmint, truffle and freshly tilled soil. The wine is poised, vibrant and dynamic with a dark fruit pastille core then cherry, licorice, and briary notes. Concentrated and deep but always bright and quite tight knit with drawn out length and fresh focusing acidity on a spicy finish. Drink between late-2023 and 2032.
Review:
The 2021 Pinot Noir Ryan has a medium ruby color and autumnal scents of truffle and forest floor, cinnamon and Earl Grey tea leaves complementing a core of wild berry fruit. (In 2021, the wine comes from the Dutton-Jentoft and Widdoes vineyards rather than 100% from Jentoft as in previous vintages.) The medium-bodied palate is supple and detailed with a concentrated core of mineral-driven fruit. It has a silky texture, energetic acidity and a long, layered finish. This is so delicious and very easy to drink!
-Wine Advocate 97 Points
This beautiful wine opens with aromas of cassis, blackberry, and earthy plum on the nose, with a touch of cedar that elegantly underlies the rich dark fruits on the nose. The wine is rich and full bodied on the palate, the acidity is supple, supporting the layers of plum, dark cherry and dusty minerality. Alongside these you have a touch of espresso bean and slight vanilla. The smooth tannins follow through to drive the finish, giving longevity to the palate.
Review: Aromas of black cherries, cassis, spice box, walnut and graphite. Firm and lengthy with a full body and compact tannin structure. Dense and wide with a chocolaty finish. - James Suckling 93 Points |
A classic balance between generous red and black fruits and firm tannins shows in this full-bodied wine as it unfolds black cherries, blackberries, oak char and black pepper. It's grippy in texture—perfect for a steak or lamb chop.
- Wine Enthusiast 93 Points