Winemaker Franco Conterno from the illustrious Poderi Aldo Conterno recently visited our islands to conduct a masterclass at Farsonsdirect and a Winemaker’s Dinner at Casa Ellul’s highly anticipated new opening – Risette Restaurant.

Situated in Monforte d'Alba in the prized Bussia Soprano vineyard in the heart of the Barolo region of Serralunga, the Conterno family has been producing and aging the great Piemontese wines for more than five generations. Over the past decade, the wines of Aldo Conterno have grown more traditional in style, and they have captivated the passion of Italian wine lovers. Known as the "King of Barolo" in Italy, Aldo Conterno passed away in 2012, and the wine world lost not only a pioneer and a visionary but also a man of great dignity and grace. Fortunately, Aldo trained his three sons to follow in his footsteps so that his eponymous estate will not merely perpetuate but flourish, as befits Aldo's legacy.

Franco kicked off the masterclass, held at Farsonsdirect’s The Wine Shop in Mriehel, with the family’s ‘Conca Tre Pile’, a Barbera d’Alba and then moved on to their Langhe Rosso and the fantastic Nebbiolo ‘Il Favot’. The highlights of the masterclass were definitely the Barolos ‘Cicala’ and ‘Colonello’, both from the 2006 vintage sent specifically for the masterclass from the Conterno cellars.

The Winemaker’s Dinner was a special occasion as it marked the opening of Casa Ellul’s Risette Restaurant in Valletta. Chef Andrew Borg, previously chef-patron at The Black Pig, expertly paired each of Conterno’s wines to his creations.

Poderi Aldo Conterno wines are imported, marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC), a member of the Farsons Group. They are available in selected restaurants, wine boutiques and Farsonsdirect’s The Wine Shop in Mriehel.