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!
Score 92, The Wine Advocate “The 2014 Barbera d’Alba Francia opens to beautiful fullness and sheer depth that represents the darker, softer and more generous side of this grape. I tasted the wine from barrel approximately one month before bottling. Roberto Conterno says that 2014 was a good year for both Barbera, but especially Nebbiolo that experienced a natural selection process in the vineyard due to low yields. This wine offers ripe fruit tones with bold lines and beautifully balanced concentration.”
