Giacomo Conterno is one of the truly iconic Piedmont producers. The estate is family-owned — it was founded in 1908 by Giacomo’s father, Giovani, and is currently run by Giacomo’s grandson, Roberto. They’re known as “traditionalists” who make wines built for the long-haul.
Cascina Francia is a southwest-facing, chalky site in Serralunga d’Alba, and its Barolo (they also make a Cascina Francia Barbera) is widely considered as the bottling that built Giacomo Conterno’s reputation as one of the finest wine producers on earth, though they also make a Monfortino Riserva that is much more expensive. Since 2010, the Barolo from Cascina Francia is labeled as simply ‘Francia.’
This bottle is from the acclaimed 2006 vintage. It’s 100% Nebbiolo (duh) that was aged for 4 years in large oak casks, and comes in at 14.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** Classic well-aged Barolo color: garnet with some bricking on the rim. Pronounced nose of black berries, black cherry, tobacco, leather, and earth. Big, bold palate with high tannins and acidity. Initially it was almost too much, but it mellowed out after 60-90 minutes of being open. Incredibly long, earthy finish. Beautiful wine now but, despite being 19 years old, I think its peak might still be 5-10 years away. Impressive.
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Giacomo Conterno is one of the truly iconic Piedmont producers. The estate is family-owned — it was founded in 1908 by Giacomo’s father, Giovani, and is currently run by Giacomo’s grandson, Roberto. They’re known as “traditionalists” who make wines built for the long-haul.
Cascina Francia is a southwest-facing, chalky site in Serralunga d’Alba, and its Barolo (they also make a Cascina Francia Barbera) is widely considered as the bottling that built Giacomo Conterno’s reputation as one of the finest wine producers on earth, though they also make a Monfortino Riserva that is much more expensive. Since 2010, the Barolo from Cascina Francia is labeled as simply ‘Francia.’
This bottle is from the acclaimed 2006 vintage. It’s 100% Nebbiolo (duh) that was aged for 4 years in large oak casks, and comes in at 14.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** Classic well-aged Barolo color: garnet with some bricking on the rim. Pronounced nose of black berries, black cherry, tobacco, leather, and earth. Big, bold palate with high tannins and acidity. Initially it was almost too much, but it mellowed out after 60-90 minutes of being open. Incredibly long, earthy finish. Beautiful wine now but, despite being 19 years old, I think its peak might still be 5-10 years away. Impressive.