2017 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia #158839923
Reviews 94 points Wine Advocate "Compared to the expression from the Cerretta vineyard, the 2017 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is even darker in color with more austerity and muscle power at the back. The alcohol reading of the two wines is the same (15.5%), but this expression offers less obvious fruit and more dark mineral instead. The soils in the Francia vineyard see a mix of limestone sand and clay, and this is true of where both the Barbera and the Nebbiolo vines are located. You sense an increased mineral presence in the Francia with iron, salt and scorched earth. This full-throttle Barbera is penetrating and deep. This is a fine expression of the grape, offering exacting detail and precision. (ML)" 93 points Vinous "Conterno's 2017 Barbera d'Alba Francia is super-expressive and explosive, with soaring perfume and deep, plush fruit. Lavender, mint, spice and a core of inky, plush fruit all develop in the glass. In tasting, the Francia has a vertical lift to it that is compelling. The 2017 has tremendous aromatic and structural intensity that will start to blossom in another few years' time. (AG)"
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About Giacomo Conterno
Cantina Giacomo Conterno, under the meticulous stewardship of fourth-generation vintner Roberto Conterno, is synonymous with the epitome of Barolo craftsmanship. The wines, including the crown jewel—Barolo Monfortino, have been recognized globally for their exceptional quality, tradition, and longevity.
Under Roberto's watchful eye, the estate has expanded its vineyard holdings to include three of the most renowned crus in Serralunga d’Alba: Cascina Francia, Ceretta, and Arione. It has been a testament to the estate's shift from purchasing grapes to cultivating and bottling their own, thereby giving them more control over their viticulture and harvesting techniques.
Experimentation has been key in their vineyards, with Roberto and his team continually refining their cloning methods and replanting cuttings from highly-regarded vines to elevate the quality of their wines. Inside their cellars, the long-standing family tradition of non-interventionist winemaking prevails. This includes extended macerations, natural fermentations, and prolonged aging in large oak botti, creating some of the world's most age-worthy wines.
The estate's focus on traditional winemaking has remained steadfast. They continue to produce robust, elegantly-structured wines, paying homage to the terroir-driven character of Piedmont's Nebbiolo grape. Their wines, especially the Monfortino, crafted with an unhurried fermentation process and up to eight years of barrel aging, are widely considered to be the perfect expressions of Nebbiolo.
The estate's commitment to uphold its roots and perpetuate its winemaking legacy is a testament to their unwavering devotion to the craft. Roberto Conterno's forward-thinking yet respectful approach to winemaking has significantly elevated the estate's reputation. From using the latest technology in sorting and destemming to marking each cork with a unique code to reduce cork taint, the continual pursuit of perfection is evident in every bottle that bears the Giacomo Conterno name.