2021 Giacomo Conterno "Francia" Barolo

As with 2020, Roberto Conterno made all three single-MGA wines in 2021: Cerretta, Arione and Francia. Bottled in May of 2024, the latter is subtlety demonstrative on the nose, albeit with some coaxing. Traces of pressed violet, pomegranate, iron and sage blossom are all detectable. The palate is appropriately taut and strict, though not in complete rigidity. Dark, pristine fruit is densely packed, intricately woven with the refined yet steely tannins which bend back around to the front of the palate, hemming it all in. Savoury, mineral and spicy on the finish. The estate will also release a 2021 Monfortino Riserva – though it is difficult to imagine how it will top this Francia. (MM)

Since its first vintage in 1978, Barolo Francia has set a benchmark in Barolo. Often described as austere, structured, complex, this is to me the true definition of Barolo. My favorite bottle at this price point. This wine has a firm, glorious tannic structure. You will get overwhelmed by the red and black fruit layers, An amazing wine now, tomorrow, in 10 or 50 years. It is just an amazing wine. This is the same fruit Conterno uses in his Monfortino, Francia Barolo goes under a more classic maceration though. This makes the wine more approachable in his youth. Do not make me wrong, it is still a true masculine Barolo, but it not as severe as a Monfortino (which you definitely want to age) For a 4th of the price of a Monfortino you can try the same fruit and winemaker. All I need to love this wine.