Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2006 750mL

Giacomo Conterno's Barolo Cascina Francia 2006 comes from the family's own vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, the same site that supplies Monfortino. 2006 is a firm, tannic Barolo year, and this is a wine that has needed time.

About This Wine

Cascina Francia is a single estate at the southern end of Serralunga, with calcareous soils and a south to south-west exposure. The Conternos bought it in 1974, when it was farmland, and planted Nebbiolo; the first vintage came in 1978. Fermentation is long and traditional, on native yeasts, and the wine was aged about four years in large casks. Antonio Galloni scored the 2006 96+ in the Wine Advocate, noting roses, tar, herbs and liquorice behind a massive wall of tannin, and forecast drinking from 2016 to 2046. Gambero Rosso gave it Tre Bicchieri. From 2010 the label simply reads 'Francia'.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Rose, tar, liquorice and dried cherry, with mint, tobacco and a touch of iron.
• Palate: Muscular and deep, with savoury red fruit, firm tannins and fresh acidity.
• Finish: Long and austere, with spice, dried flowers and lasting grip.

Serving & Food

Decant three to four hours ahead and serve at 17 to 18°C in wide Nebbiolo glasses. Now entering its drinking window, it has decades in reserve. Pair with brasato al Barolo, venison stew, or aged Castelmagno.

How to Enjoy

Serious Barolo lovers, or a cellar looking for a traditional Serralunga to open over the next twenty years.

Product Details

About the Winery

For much of the twentieth century Giacomo Conterno made its Barolo, including Monfortino, from grapes bought from trusted growers in Serralunga and Monforte. When those growers began bottling for themselves in the 1970s, Giovanni Conterno secured the family's own supply by buying Cascina Francia.

His son Roberto took charge after Giovanni's death in the early 2000s. He has stayed with the traditional approach, long fermentations and large casks with no barriques, while adding the Cerretta vineyard in 2008 and part of Arione in 2015, both in Serralunga.