Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba "Francia" DOC 2021 [750 ml]
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 95] [JD 94-96] [JS 93]

The Conterno crown jewel, Monfortino, is not only arguably the greatest Barolo; it was also the very first Barolo made in what has come to be known as the classic style.

At the time that Giovanni Conterno’s father Giacomo served in World War I, Barolo was generally sold in either cask or demijohn, meant for early drinking. But when Giacomo returned from the war, he decided to create a Barolo with immense aging potential. His first wine was a 1920 Barolo Riserva, and he soon adopted the name Monfortino in honor of his home village Monforte d’Alba.

For the next 54 years, Giacomo—and then his son Giovanni—made Barolo in much the same way. Two Barolos were made, always from purchased grapes, the main distinction being fermentation technique and time in cask.

Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.

About the Wine: From 5 ha of Barbera from the great Francia vineyard. Exposure is west by southwest. Fermented ~2 weeks in wooden vats with regular breaking-up of the caps. Aged 2 years in large cask.

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"Rich and explosive from the get-go, all the elements of the 2021 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia are massively dialed up. Black cherry, plum, incense, licorice, mocha and sage all rush from the glass. Dynamic and vibrant to the core, the 2021 is seriously impressive." (Jan 2024)

94-96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Barbera Cascina Francia was tasted from barrel and pours a rich youthful ruby/purple color. Mineral-tinged with graphite, black raspberry, and violets, it is medium-bodied on the palate, with refined tannic structure, great freshness, and a red plum and more violet perfume. Gorgeous and pure, warmth and freshness at the same time, this is as good as it gets for Barbera. Drink 2024-2040." - Audrey Frick (May 2023)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"This is very open with juicy fruit and orange peel undertones. Succulent. Full and layered. Yummy fruit. Drink now." (Aug 2023)