Giacomo Conterno GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo Francia 2021

Description

The “Francia” Cru: Terroir and Specificity

The Francia cru is the historic cornerstone of the Giacomo Conterno estate and stands as its benchmark Barolo before the legendary Monfortino Riserva. Acquired in 1974 by Giovanni Conterno, the vineyard known as Cascina Francia has long represented the family’s most faithful and uncompromising expression of classic Barolo.

Location and Exposure

Cascina Francia lies in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba, perfectly positioned on southwest-facing slopes that ensure excellent drainage and ideal sun exposure. The vineyard rises to around 400 meters above sea level, an elevation that promotes significant day-night temperature variation — a key factor in preserving the Nebbiolo’s freshness, tension, and aromatic precision.

The terrain’s natural slope and orientation create a microclimate that tempers excess heat: cool nights enhance acidity and fragrance, while warm, clear days guarantee full ripeness of the fruit.

Soil and Geological Structure

The soils of Francia are dominated by limestone and marl, rich in minerals that provide a strong structural backbone — the source of the vineyard’s renowned depth, power, and longevity. Clay and silt layers add balance, retaining just enough moisture to support steady vine growth while maintaining concentration and energy in the fruit. The result is a Barolo of both strength and elegance, firm yet refined, with the capacity to age gracefully for decades.

Role within the Estate

Francia is the beating heart of the Conterno identity — the purest representation of the estate’s traditional approach to Nebbiolo. It embodies the classic Serralunga style: powerful, tannic, and complex, yet always marked by tension and clarity. In exceptional vintages, a portion of the Francia grapes contributes to the base of Monfortino, underlining the deep connection between the two wines.

For Giacomo Conterno, Francia remains the definitive expression of balance between might and finesse — a wine that captures the soul of the Langhe in its most timeless form.

The Producer: Giacomo Conterno

The Giacomo Conterno winery, based in Monforte d’Alba, is widely regarded as one of Italy’s greatest and most respected wine estates. The Conterno family’s roots in viticulture date back to the 19th century, but the modern era began in 1900, when Giacomo Conterno first bottled wines under his own name — a bold move in an age when most Barolo was still sold in bulk.

Through the decades, the estate has remained devoted to tradition: long macerations, spontaneous fermentations, aging exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks, and an unhurried approach that allows each wine to mature at its natural pace.

A turning point came in 1974, when Giovanni Conterno purchased the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. This acquisition marked the beginning of an era of total control over vineyard sources, setting a new standard for estate-grown Barolo. Over time, the estate expanded to include additional crus — Cerretta and later Arione — deepening its exploration of Serralunga’s terroir.

Today, Roberto Conterno carries the family legacy forward with extraordinary precision and integrity. His approach unites traditional craftsmanship with modern rigor, characterized by meticulous vineyard management, low yields, and a relentless pursuit of purity and expression in every bottle.

Among the estate’s most iconic wines are Monfortino, the legendary Riserva symbolizing the pinnacle of the Conterno vision, and the cru Barolos — Francia, Arione, and Cerretta — each reflecting a distinct face of Serralunga’s unique landscape.