Description
There is no greater traditional Piedmont producer than Giacomo Conterno.
Here is the ultra-traditionalist of Barolo, a devotee of latest harvests, long macerations and long years – up to four for Barolo ‘Cascina Francia’ and as many as eight for ‘Monfortino’ – in large older, inert oak botti. Nothing seems to tempt current winemaker Roberto Conterno, the 3rd generation, to waiver in pursuit of an easier or more approachable style.
In fact the wines are not that forbidding really and accurately reflect their Serralunga on the ‘cusp’ of Monforte d’Alba location, with plenty of plum, dark cherry and ‘blue’ fruits supplementing the dark, smoky spices and tougher tannins of Serralunga.
‘Monfortino’, is an occasional (around every second or 3rd vintage) selection off the ‘Cascina Francia’ vineyard and is arguably and very widely regarded as, Italy’s greatest wine. ‘The ‘Cascina Francia’ bottling itself, is close to that in its own right. Barbera ‘Cascina Francia’ too, is just as spectacular a wine and almost as eagerly sought. None of this happens by accident!
94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media “The 2012 Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia stands out for its exceptional finesse and delicacy. Sweet rose petals, mint, cinnamon and red berries are all laced together in a soft, polished Barbera long on class and finesse. Perfumed notes continues to open up in the glass, while brighter, more saline-inflected notes give the wine its sense of energy and tension. This is a magnificent showing. Ideally, readers will be able to give the 2012 at least another year or two in bottle.”
LAST BOTTLES OF THIS VINTAGE!
