Contero

Contero is a specialist producer of two of Italy's most refreshing sparkling wines: Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui. Based in Strevi in the heart of Piemonte, the 11-hectare estate is now owned by the Marenco family, established Moscato and Brachetto specialists. What sets Contero apart is the combination of ideal terroir—steep, hilly vineyards with tufaceous-marl composition arranged within a natural amphitheatre—and meticulous fruit quality. You'll taste the difference immediately: lifted, fresh Moscato with genuine sparkle, and Brachetto with a distinctive rose petal character. These are wines that reward careful vineyard management and speak clearly of their origin.

About Contero

The Contero estate occupies 11 hectares of some of Piemonte's most prized Moscato territory. Strevi, where the vineyards sit, is recognized as one of the best zones for Moscato production in the region, and the amphitheatre-shaped landscape provides natural advantages for both sun exposure and air drainage. The tufaceous-marl soils—rich in tuff, a porous volcanic rock, combined with calcareous marl—contribute minerality and texture to the wines.

Under the stewardship of the Marenco family, the estate has become known for consistently excellent Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui. Both are lightly sparkling wines (frizzante rather than fully spumante), which requires precise winemaking: fermentation must be controlled and sometimes halted to retain the desired residual sugar and natural carbonation. The vines are superbly tended, producing fruit of exceptional quality. This attention to viticulture means the grapes arrive at the winery in optimal condition, allowing the winemaking to remain relatively unobtrusive and focused on expressing the character of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (for Moscato) and Brachetto (for the rosé).

The Moscato emerges lifted and fresh, with vibrant floral notes and a naturally frothing character. The Brachetto develops a lovely rose petal perfume over its aromatic, grape-scented fruit—a profile that reflects both grape variety and careful harvest timing. Both wines sit at the intersection of approachability and genuine complexity, which explains their consistent scores and why Contero has earned a steady following among merchants and consumers seeking authentic, well-made Italian sparkling wines.

Contero Wines in Our Collection

Our range includes both the flagship Moscato d'Asti di Strevi and Brachetto d'Acqui across multiple vintages. The 2023 Moscato d'Asti di Strevi (88 points) and 2025 vintage deliver the signature lifted, floral profile—ideal for aperitifs, lighter desserts, or simply chilled on a summer afternoon. The 2024 Brachetto d'Acqui (90 points, Decanter; 88 points in the 2025 vintage) offers that distinctive rose petal character over aromatic fruit, making it a more distinctive choice if you want to move beyond standard sparkling wine territory. Both styles are lightly sparkling rather than fully pressurized, so expect a gentler effervescence and lower alcohol (typically 5–6% ABV). Decanter's 90-point score for the 2024 Brachetto reflects the wine's balance and aromatic intensity. Choose Moscato if you prefer floral brightness; choose Brachetto if you want something with more perfume and a subtle red-fruit edge.

Food Pairing

The Moscato d'Asti pairs beautifully with light, fruit-forward desserts: panna cotta, fresh berry tarts, or almond biscuits. Its natural acidity also cuts through creamy textures. The Brachetto, with its rose petal character and gentle sweetness, suits strawberry-based dishes, rosewater-infused pastries, or even soft cheeses. Both work as aperitif wines too—serve chilled, and they'll refresh your palate before food arrives. Avoid pairing either with heavily spiced or intensely savoury dishes; these wines shine with delicate, fruit-forward, or subtly sweet food.

What makes Contero's Moscato and Brachetto different?

Contero is owned by the Marenco family, Moscato and Brachetto specialists. Their 11-hectare estate in Strevi sits on tufaceous-marl soils in a natural amphitheatre—one of Piemonte's best zones. Superior fruit quality and careful tending produce lifted, fresh Moscato and Brachetto with rose petal character.

Are these fully sparkling wines?

No. Both Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui are frizzante (lightly sparkling), not fully spumante. Expect a gentle effervescence, lower alcohol (typically 5–6%), and a delicate mousse rather than vigorous bubbles.

What's the difference between Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui?

Moscato d'Asti is floral and fresh, made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. Brachetto d'Acqui is a rosé with rose petal perfume and subtle red-fruit notes. Both are sweet and lightly sparkling, but Brachetto offers more aromatic complexity and colour.

Who makes Contero wines?

Contero is owned by the Marenco family, established Moscato and Brachetto specialists. The 11-hectare estate is based in Strevi, in the heart of Piemonte, Italy.

What style of wine does Contero make?

Contero specialises in lightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui. Moscato is aromatic and floral (88 points); Brachetto is sweet and spritzy with distinctive rose petal character (90 points).

How much does Contero wine cost?

Contero wines range between £18.10 and £19.30 per bottle across our current stock of Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui.