2021 Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo

Giacomo Conterno is one of those names that immediately grabs the attention of anyone passionate about Piedmont wines. Known for crafting some of the most iconic Barolos in the world, this family-run estate has built its reputation on a commitment to tradition and quality. Their wines are all about power, precision, and aging potential, but they never lose that soulful connection to the land.

Current custodian Roberto Conterno keenly appreciates what being the benchmark for Barolo can mean in a commercial world that makes such a rarity of his wines. In the laboratory and in production, Roberto has adapted and refined equipment like his utterly unique destemmer to operate at remarkable levels of sensitivity. Back into the vineyard, and continuous trials like the massale selections, must pass sufficient time to satisfy Roberto’s fastidious expectations.

Other Reviews....
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. Drink 2029-2046.
99 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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
Aldo Fiordelli - JamesSuckling.com

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.
97 points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

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. Drink 2028-2046.
98 points
Michaela Morris - Decanter