
- 92
2022 Giacomo Conterno Francia Barbera d'Alba
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.
Francia Barbera d'Alba is a lush, powerful and sometimes brooding wine, underpinned by mineral wet rock and graphite notes that add interest and freshness.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is a delicate, understated wine, surprisingly so in this intensely warm, dry year. Sweet red-toned cherry/plum fruit, blood orange and floral top notes are beautifully delineated. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style. I expected to see a more opulent Barbera here. Instead, the 2022 is a bit compact today. That may serve it well over the coming years, hence my optimism about its future prospects. Drink 2027-2034.
92+ points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous