Wine Advisor
Giacomo Conterno, Barolo Francia 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
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.'
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Good medium red. Wild strawberry, smoked meat and a whiff of leather on the nose. Lush on entry, then juicy, tight and youthfully imploded in the middle, with firm minerality supporting the sappy raspberry and crushed cherry flavors. Showing less middle-palate texture today than the Cerretta, almost certainly due to a recent racking and sulfiting. Finishes with ineffable notes of candied cherry and minerals, with tannins well under control.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Explosive and powerful to the core, the 2010 Barolo Francia takes hold of the senses and never lets up. This is a Barolo that demands the taster's full attention. Sweet, perfumed and layered in the glass, the 2010 is all about balance and harmony. All the elements fall into place in a no holds barred, head spinning Cascina Francia. Some recent vintages have offered plenty of medium-term appeal, but I don't see that being the case here. I suggest stocking up on the Barberas and the new Barolo Cerretta and letting this jewel of a wine age without any rush. The 2010 is shaping up to be an epic, benchmark Cascina Francia that will take its rightful place among the very best ever made here.
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.
