Giacomo Conterno ‘Cascina Francia ‘ Barolo 2010

Description

There is no greater traditional Barolo 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!

98 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, … “The 2010 Barolo Francia is an exotic, beguiling beauty. Lavender, sage, menthol, tobacco and dried rose petals are some of the notes that open up in the glass. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2010 is utterly captivating. The combination of super-expressive aromatics, pliant fruit and pulsating tannins is something to behold. It will be many years before the 2010 is ready to deliver the goods, but it is already utterly captivating from the very first taste. Readers should note that, because of new vineyard regulations, the Cascina Francia is now known simply as Francia. In 2010, the corks had already been printed by the time that decision was made, so the corks on the 2010 read ‘Cascina Francia.”
RRP: $480