Few names in Italian wine command more reverence than Giacomo Conterno. Founded in the 1920s by Giacomo Conterno and later elevated by his son Giovanni, the estate set a new standard for traditional Barolo with the introduction of Monfortino, a wine that redefined what nebbiolo could become in the hands of a visionary. Giovanni’s powerful, long-aging Barolos became the benchmark for the region, and his decision to purchase the famed Cascina Francia vineyard in 1974 cemented the estate’s reputation as one of the Langhe’s greats.
Today, the legacy continues under Giovanni’s son Roberto Conterno. With the same uncompromising approach, Roberto has confidently expanded the estate’s holdings to include Cerretta and Arione, two of Serralunga d’Alba’s most prized crus. In the cellar, tradition remains paramount. Long macerations and extended aging in large casks are paired with meticulous farming and subtle technological improvements to preserve purity and precision. The result is a lineup of wines that are deeply rooted in place and tradition, as well as among the most profound expressions of Barolo being made today.
Francia is the soul of the Giacomo Conterno estate. This steep slope in Serralunga d’Alba, with its firm soils and perfect southern exposure, has shaped the house style for nearly fifty years. In great vintages, a selection from the vineyard becomes Monfortino, but Francia remains the foundation—a wine raised slowly in large casks, with no concessions to trend or time.
The 2021 is a wine of tension and depth, offering a vivid portrait of place. Aromas of red cherry, blood orange, and rose petal unfold with notes of crushed rock, iron, licorice, and wild herbs. It is compact, sculpted, and quietly monumental, built not for immediacy but for the long arc ahead.
“The 2021 Barolo Francia is a vertical, explosive Barolo endowed with tons of energy. Bright acids and fine beams of tannin provide the framework for this striking young Barolo. All the elements are so well balanced. Time in the glass brings out an interplay of mineral-drenched energy, persistence and textural breadth. There's a lot of structure, and yet the tannins feel fine-grained and finessed. I especially admire its translucent energy. Magnificent.” - 99 pts, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
...
These wines are pre-arrival with an estimated arrival date of late summer. During warmer months orders are placed on hold, your wines will ship as weather permits and the daily range is consistently between 45 and 74 degrees. Please note pre-arrival sales are non-refundable as suppliers require us to make binding commitments and deposits to secure the wine.
