97

Barolo Francia Giacomo Conterno 2012

HED74695 75cl 14.5%
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia 2012 is a full-bodied Nebbiolo red wine from the Barolo appellation of Piedmont, northern Italy. The Giacomo Conterno estate, now run by grandson Roberto, is one of the most illustrious in Piedmont and many consider their wines to be the ultimate expression of Barolo. Behind the stellar Monfortino, the Francia cuvée is arguably the most prized. The wine is typically aged for up to four years in large used oak botti. "A gorgeous nose of orange peel, plums and light walnuts. Some wet earth. Full to medium body with a compacted centre palate. A tight ball of ripe, fine tannins. Minerals and hot stones underneath. Serious structure. No Monfortino was made so it`s all here. Better in 2022." James Suckling, 2016
The 2012 Barolo Francia is wonderfully expressive today. Much more open than the Barolo Cerretta tasted alongside it, the Francia bristles with energy. Floral and mineral overtones add to an impression of brightness, yet there is plenty of underlying tannin and overall structure. In 2012, Roberto Conterno did not bottle his flagship Barolo Monfortino. Instead, the cask that would have been destined for Monfortino was blended into the Francia. Historically, that decision has often resulted in a `super Francia.` It will be interesting to see if the 2012 gains volume and depth in aging. I have to say, the wine is surprisingly accessible in the early going, although it has just been bottled and is likely to close down at some point. All the promise the 2012 showed in cask comes through loud and clear. - Antonio Galloni
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Giacomo Conterno

Giacomo Conterno

Founded in the 1920s, Giacomo Conterno is an iconic Piedmont estate currently owned and operated by Roberto, grandson of winery founder and namesake. Giacomo was assisted by his brother Aldo Conterno for many years before Aldo left to establish his own eponymous winery, pursuing a different style of winemaking altogether. 

Along with Gaja and Bruno Giacosa, the winery is considered to be one of the premier producers of fine Barolo. Cascina Francia and Monfortino (only made in select vintages and aged for up to seven years before release) are Conterno's top wines when it comes to Nebbiolo, but the team also make excellent Barbera a'Alba. The Nebbiolo are traditional expressions of the Piedmont terroir in many ways - long-lived and earthy with an elegant savoury character to match alluring ripe red and black fruit notes.

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