Formerly owned by the Lombardini family (proprietors of La Giustiniana in Gavi), Contero is now owned by the Marenco family, who are Moscato and Brachetto specialists in Strevi. This 11 hectare estate remains one of the best producers of invigoratingly delicious Moscato d’Asti and Brachetto d’Acqui. The ripest and best Moscato grapes are used for Moscato d’Asti rather than Asti.
Vineyards
The Contero vineyards are situated in a perfect amphitheatre in the commune of Strevi, the heart of one of the best zones for Brachetto in Piemonte. The vines are superbly tended and produce fruit of stunning quality. They are located on steep hills with tufaceous-marl soils which contain layers of fertile clay. The vines are Guyot trained and planted at a density of 4,800 vines per hectare. Grapes are hand harvested into wooden boxes and the average yield is five tonnes per hectare.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-picked and carefully selected. After pressing gently, the must fermented on the skins for 2/3 days at low temperatures(around 0° C)in stainless-steel tanks. After separating the must from the skins, alcoholic fermentation goes on and is halted at 5.5% volume alcohol by filtration to leave around 100g of sugar per litre. The wine is bottled under pressure for a light sparkle.