Giacomo Conterno, Francia, Barolo DOCG, Italy, 2021

Overview of the Wine
For 45 years, until his death in 2004, Giovanni Conterno forged a reputation as perhaps the greatest of all Barolo producers, irrespective of style. The wines he made were the quintessence of “traditional” Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long development in bottle.

For many, his heroic Monfortino—the product of wild temperature swings during fermentation and 6 to 8 years in barrel—is the most perfect expression of the Nebbiolo grape. As for his glorious Barolo Cascina Francia, it has long been the benchmark against which other producers measure their own efforts.

Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.

Organic.

Winemaker
Roberto Conterno

Grape / Blend
Nebbiolo

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Tasting Notes
Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo Arione is sourced from one of its iconic single vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, where limestone-clay soils impart powerful structure. The 2021 vintage shows precise Nebbiolo fruit balanced by firm tannins. This cuvée sits just below his reserve Monfortino, representing his core expression of Arione terroir.

Hand-harvested grapes undergo native yeast fermentation and age for two years in large Slavonian oak casks. The result is a serious, terroir-driven Barolo with energy and aging potential—elegant yet structured, true to Conterno’s traditional pedigree.

99 Points - Vinous
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. (AG) 

98 Points - Decanter
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) 

97 Points - James Suckling
Elegant style to this Barolo, fresh and lightly fruited with subtle spices. Wild strawberries, watermelon and hints of Parma violets, oak bark and licorice. Full-bodied with intense flavor and fine-tuned tannins, soaked in licorice again and dried flowers. Long, savory and refreshing aftertaste. Almost drinkable now, but best from October 2025.

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted from bottle, the 2021 Barolo Francia is a jeweled ruby color, while the nose is very pure, inviting, and perhaps a touch shy, offering notes of pure red berries, cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, and rocky earth. The structure is quite energetic and eclectic in energy, and the palate is just stunning now, with lovely sweetness, although it’s fully dry. (AF) 

Product size: 750ml