Wine Advisor
Giacomo Conterno, Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2012 Barbera d'Alba Francia is a stunning wine that shows precision, poise and focus. The aromas are fully developed and harmonious with dark berry, blackcurrant, spice and sweet tobacco. The single-vineyard Francia is especially impressive in the mouth thanks to its generous and fleshy texture and the great intensity and persistence of the finish. Barbera is celebrated, or sometimes criticized, for its high acidity. That freshness is expertly managed and tamed in this standout wine. The 2012 vintage was especially kind to Barbera.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
For beaucratic reasons this is now simply called Francia instead of Cascina Francia. Lovely tangy fruit with tangerines, oranges and plums. Full to medium body, bright acidity and a crisp finish. Velvety texture. A nutty, nutmeg undertone. Savory.
About the Producer
Roberto Conterno took full control over the running of this famous estate just outside Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont, in 2003, when his father Giovanni Conterno passed away. Giovanni was the oldest son of the winery founder, Giacomo Conterno, and initially worked alongside his brother, Aldo Conterno. In 1969 the two sibling winemakers parted ways to create their own styles of Barolo. Roberto continues to practice the traditional winemaking techniques of the area, producing long-lived, earthy wines. The focus has been strictly on nebbiolo and barbera since their freisa and dolcetto vines were grubbed up. Roberto also stresses the importance of organic viticulture especially in the early years of the vines' growth. The estate is most renowned for its great Barolos, Cascina Francia and Monfortino Riserva. The latter is produced only in the very best of vintages and aged at least 7 years in large oak 'botti'. This is regarded as one of the finest Barolos produced today and by many as the finest wine made from Nebbiolo in the world.
