Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo 2021 - 1.5 L Magnum -
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 99] [DM 98] [JS 97] [JD 97]

About the Winery:
Founded in the 1920s, Giacomo Conterno is an iconic Piedmont estate currently owned and operated by Roberto, grandson of the winery founder and namesake. Giacomo was assisted by his brother Aldo Conterno for many years before Aldo left to establish his own eponymous winery, pursuing a different style of winemaking altogether. Along with Gaja and Bruno Giacosa, the winery is considered to be one of the premier producers of fine Barolo.

For 45 years, until his death in 2004, Giacomo’s son Giovanni Conterno forged a reputation as perhaps the greatest of all Barolo producers, irrespective of style. The wines he made were the quintessence of “traditional” Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long development in bottle. Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, 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. 

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. In 1974, Giovanni acquired the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga. With its fabulous exposure, the site was perfect for the powerful Conterno style, and Giovanni immediately stopped buying grapes, relying on approximately 9 hectares of Nebbiolo to produce on average 600 cases of Monfortino and 1500 cases of Cascina Francia. Cascina Francia also held 5 hectares of Barbera, giving Giovanni the material to produce one of the Langhe’s finest, and most sought-after, Barberas. [An Italian law change required that Cascina Francia be renamed simply “Francia” with the 2010 Barolo vintage.] 

Two thousand eight marked a new milestone for Giacomo Conterno, when Roberto, was able to purchase land in the prized Cerretta vineyard. An even greater coup occurred in 2015, when Roberto was able to acquire virtually all of the Arione cru. Adjacent to Cascina Francia, it shares similar soils, but may have an even better southern exposure. (Bruno Giacosa helped to make Arione legendary with a series of great Barolos in the 1970s.) 

What's really important here are the Conterno family's winemaking traditions, and they remain unchanged. The extended fermentations would be recognized by his grandfather. Like his father, Roberto is patient in raising his wines. Consequently, the period from harvest to release is two years for his Barberas, four years for the Baroli, and approximately seven years for Barolo “Monfortino.”

About this Wine:
Few vineyards in the world hold the status of Vigna Francia, a vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that has become synonymous with Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo and Barbera. Bought by the Conterno family in 1974, it represents one of the most essential and unique terroirs in Barolo, yielding wines of profound structure, beauty, and longevity.

Francia is located in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba, and the vineyard’s greatness lies in its high elevation (350-400m), southeastern exposure, and complex limestone-clay soils that are rich in minerals and marine fossils. Cool nights help maintain acidity and enhance fragrant depth, key to the refined balance of each Barolo and Barbera.

Ratings & Reviews

99 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barolo Francia is a vertical, explosive Barolo endowed with tons of energy. Bright acids and fine beams of tannin provide the framework for this striking young Barolo. All the elements are so well balanced. Time in the glass brings out an interplay of mineral-drenched energy, persistence and textural breadth. There's a lot of structure, and yet the tannins feel fine-grained and finessed. I especially admire its translucent energy. Magnificent. (Drink between 2029-2046)" - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)

98 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"As with 2020, Roberto Conterno made all three single-MGA wines in 2021: Cerretta, Arione and Francia. Bottled in May of 2024, the latter is subtlety demonstrative on the nose, albeit with some coaxing. Traces of pressed violet, pomegranate, iron and sage blossom are all detectable. The palate is appropriately taut and strict, though not in complete rigidity. Dark, pristine fruit is densely packed, intricately woven with the refined yet steely tannins which bend back around to the front of the palate, hemming it all in. Savoury, mineral and spicy on the finish. The estate will also release a 2021 Monfortino Riserva – though it is difficult to imagine how it will top this Francia." - Michaela Morris (Jan 2025)

97 Points - James Suckling:
"Elegant style to this Barolo, fresh and lightly fruited with subtle spices. Wild strawberries, watermelon and hints of Parma violets, oak bark and licorice. Full-bodied with intense flavor and fine-tuned tannins, soaked in licorice again and dried flowers. Long, savory and refreshing aftertaste. Almost drinkable now, but best from October 2025." (Jan 2025)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Tasted from bottle, the 2021 Barolo Francia is a jeweled ruby color, while the nose is very pure, inviting, and perhaps a touch shy, offering notes of pure red berries, cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, and rocky earth. The structure is quite energetic and eclectic in energy, and the palate is just stunning now, with lovely sweetness, although it’s fully dry." - Audrey Frick (May 2025)