Ginestra

Ginestra sits within the commune of Monforte d'Alba in the Barolo DOCG zone of Piedmont. It was formally recognized as one of 11 MGAs in Monforte d'Alba under the sweeping 2010 revision to the Barolo DOCG regulations, which codified the Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive system across the entire appellation. The vineyard occupies elevations between 300 and 360 meters, placing it among the higher-altitude sites in the southern portion of the Barolo zone.

• Formally designated as an MGA in the 2010 Barolo DOCG regulations
• One of 11 MGAs within Monforte d'Alba commune
• Elevation: 300 to 360 meters above sea level
• South and southeast-facing slopes provide strong solar exposure throughout the growing season

The soils of Ginestra are defined by a high concentration of limestone within a matrix of clay and marl, complemented by sand and silt. This limestone-rich composition distinguishes Ginestra from some neighboring sites and contributes to the mineral character consistently found in wines from this MGA. The continental Piedmont climate brings warm, sunny growing seasons with the thermal variation typical of the Langhe hills, supporting full Nebbiolo ripening without sacrificing structure.

• Limestone-rich clay and marl soils with sand and silt
• High limestone concentration drives mineral character in the finished wines
• Continental climate with strong solar influence favors Nebbiolo ripening
• Thermal variation between day and night preserves acidity and aromatic complexity

Ginestra produces Barolo of considerable structure and power, drawing comparisons to the formidable wines of Serralunga d'Alba while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in Monforte terroir. The combination of limestone-rich soils, high elevation, and south-facing exposure yields wines with firm tannins, high acidity, and pronounced mineral finesse. These are deeply age-worthy wines that reward patience, typically requiring years of cellaring before their full complexity emerges.

• Powerful, structured Barolo with firm tannins and high acidity
• Mineral finesse from limestone-dominant soils
• Comparable in power to Serralunga d'Alba wines but with distinct Monforte character
• Wines are built for extended aging

Ginestra carries significant historical weight within the Barolo appellation. Gavarini, one of the vineyard's sub-crus, appeared on the region's earliest cru maps and remains one of the most recognized individual sites within Ginestra. The Conterno family's presence in this vineyard spans more than 150 years, anchoring the site's reputation across generations of winemaking. Additional sub-crus, including Pajana, Casa Maté, Runcot, and Sori, each contribute their own character to the broader Ginestra identity and are used by individual producers on their labels to denote specific parcels.

• Gavarini is one of the oldest documented sub-crus in the Barolo zone
• The Conterno family has farmed vines in Ginestra for over 150 years
• Sub-crus include Gavarini, Pajana, Casa Maté, Runcot, and Sori
• Sub-cru names frequently appear on producer labels to identify specific parcels

Ginestra attracts some of the Barolo zone's most respected names. Elio Grasso is closely identified with the site through bottlings from the Gavarini and Casa Maté sub-crus. Conterno Fantino produces their celebrated Ginestra bottlings, as does Paolo Conterno and Diego Conterno, both continuing the family's long association with the vineyard. Domenico Clerico and E. Pira and Figli, led by Chiara Boschis, round out a producer lineup that underscores Ginestra's standing among Monforte's elite crus.

• Elio Grasso: Gavarini and Casa Maté sub-cru bottlings
• Conterno Fantino: consistent benchmark producer from Ginestra
• Paolo Conterno and Diego Conterno: continuing a family legacy exceeding 150 years
• E. Pira and Figli (Chiara Boschis) and Domenico Clerico also produce from the site