Wine Advisor
Giacomo Conterno, Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is showing nicely now thanks to the crisp fruit, cherry and balsam aromas that are coaxed out of Barbera grapes in the cooler growing seasons. Warmer temperatures before harvest help to bring out more of the purple and black-toned aromas you expect of this variety, with a little more fruit volume as well. In all, this vintage offers a more tapered approach that sets it apart from the richer 2019 edition and gives this wine a little more accessibility overall.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is an explosion of floral, savory and mineral notes. Like the Cerretta, the Francia Barbera is quite delicate in this vintage. It has a bit darker fruit, stronger savory undertones and a touch more depth. It is a beguiling, beautifully layered wine that unfolds graciously over time.
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.
