Wine Advisor
Giacomo Conterno, Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2023
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2023 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is fine, elegant and nuanced. Silky lines wrap around a core of red cherry/plum fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint, white pepper and incense. Understated and classy, the 2023 has a lot to offer. This is a relatively restrained vintage for the Francia Barbera. I would give it a bit of time in the cellar to come together. Finessed, impossibly silky tannins and clean mineral undertones support the resonant finish.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A lush wine that’s supple and fruity. Plums, leafy lightness and a floral touch on the nose. A smooth palate with a full body, crisp and integrated acidity and a long, fruity finish. Drink or hold.
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.
