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 is home to one of the world’s greatest wines—Barolo Monfortino. As Piedmont’s leading producer, 4th generation winegrower Roberto Conterno has created a name for himself as a perfectionist and traditionalist. Since the family has ceased buying grapes and now bottle their own, Roberto has added to the vineyard holdings, so that Giacomo Conterno owns parcels in the three finest crus of Serralunga d’Alba: Cascina Francia—acquired in 1970 by Roberto’s father—and Ceretta in 2008 and Arione in 2015 under Roberto’s direction.
In the vineyards, Roberto and his team experiment with cloning, replanting cuttings of desirable vines in a continued effort to raise the quality of the wines. In the cellars, Roberto maintains the family tradition of non-interventionist winemaking with long macerations, natural fermentations, and extended aging in large oak botti. He ages the Ceretta and Arione for four years and the Montfortino for seven years before bottling. This extended process makes the wines of Conterno some of the most age-worthy in the world.