Wine Advisor
Giacomo Conterno, Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2019
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2019 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is all about precision, power and a meticulous orderly approach that brings new intervals of increased aromatic intensity with each sip and swirl of the glass. The wine can be characterized as exceptionally direct and frank, and these qualities are especially well executed in this classic vintage. Barbera is cultivated at the top and the lower parts of the Francia vineyard, and this wine carries slightly more fruit weight and structure compared to the Cerretta. Francia also ends with distinctly mineral or graphite-like notes with iron or rust.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2019 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia marries elegance, power and energy. Inky blue/purplish fruit, menthol, licorice and sage are some of the nuances that build as this creamy, textured Barbera slowly opens in the glass. The Francia is wonderfully somber and mysterious, with striking shades of dimension that reveal themselves over time. The 2019 was just bottled, but its pedigree is evident.
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.
