With Il Favot 1997, Aldo Conterno crafts a characterful Nebbiolo from Bussia in Monforte d’Alba. Sourced from several vineyards surrounding the estate at roughly 350 to 400 meters of elevation—where calcareous and clayey marls interleave with sandy strata—Il Favot is deliberately produced from younger vines, distinguishing it from the estate’s Barolos primarily through its earlier approachability and softer tannic frame.  

Today, the 1997 vintage displays a thoroughly captivating maturity. On the nose, red berries, ripe cherry, and dried flowers mingle with marzipan, cinnamon, and a fine, ferrous mineral note. With air, forest floor, orange peel, and subtle earthy nuances emerge. Extended bottle aging has refined the primary fruit without robbing the wine of its freshness.  

On the palate, Il Favot 1997 is soft, velvety, and remarkably supple. The red fruit feels juicy and ripe, supported by still-lively acidity and fine-grained, now largely integrated tannins. A subtle chocolaty spice merges with mineral and balsamic undertones, while the overall texture feels elegant rather than massive. The finish is long and shaped by dried flowers, spices, and mature fruit.

Today, Il Favot 1997 sits on a lovely plateau of maturity, demonstrating just how far this Nebbiolo can evolve beyond its nominal category. The combination of ripe fruit, silken texture, and mineral-savory depth makes it a particularly compelling expression of Aldo Conterno’s early style, and well-cellared bottles should preserve their graceful maturity for several years to come.