{"product_id":"2018-giacomo-conterno-barolo-francia","title":"2018 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia","description":"\u003cp\u003e2018 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia is one of the benchmark wines of Barolo, a single-vineyard bottling that marries power, depth and classical elegance. Drawn from the revered Francia cru, this Barolo is built for the long haul, offering immense complexity and refinement for collectors and serious Nebbiolo lovers. Highly rated by leading critics, it is a wine that reveals itself slowly, rewarding patience with extraordinary nuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Barolo Francia shows a deep garnet hue with brick-red reflections at the rim, already hinting at its traditional character and age-worthiness. The nose is layered and expressive: dark cherries and macerated red berries unfold into notes of blood orange, rose petals and blue flowers, followed by hints of grilled herbs, cinnamon, dried spices and warm, baked earth.\n\nOn the palate, this is a Barolo of structure and precision. The core of pure Nebbiolo fruit – dark cherry, wild strawberry and orange peel – is wrapped in firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Subtle notes of licorice, tobacco, dried herbs and terracotta add further dimension, creating a multi-layered, persistent finish. Still youthful and somewhat reserved in its current stage, the 2018 Francia will benefit greatly from time in bottle; expect it to evolve beautifully over 15–25 years or more, gaining leather, truffle and forest floor complexity with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBarolo Francia comes from the famed Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, a site known for its limestone-clay marl soils and steep, sun-drenched slopes that naturally produce intensely structured, long-lived Nebbiolo. Yields are kept deliberately low, and harvesting is done by hand with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, perfectly ripe clusters. In the cellar, Giacomo Conterno follows a deeply traditional approach: extended maceration to extract character and structure, followed by long aging in large neutral Slavonian oak botti. This minimal-intervention, time-honored vinification is designed to capture the purest expression of site, vintage and grape without cosmetic winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Barolo calls for refined, flavorful dishes that can match its structure and complexity: braised beef or veal, slow-cooked lamb shanks, game birds, truffle risotto, tajarin pasta with rich meat ragù, or aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and mature pecorino. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). In its youth, decanting for 2–3 hours is highly recommended to allow the wine to open and soften; with more bottle age, a gentle 60–90 minute decant is usually sufficient to reveal its full aromatic spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiacomo Conterno is one of the great, historic names of Barolo, founded in the early 20th century by a family that had already been cultivating vines on Barolo’s hillsides for generations. Based in Serralunga d’Alba, the estate is renowned worldwide for its unwavering commitment to traditional, terroir-driven Nebbiolo and for crafting some of the most age-worthy wines in Piedmont. With meticulous vineyard work, extremely strict fruit selection and patient, long aging in large casks, Giacomo Conterno has become a reference point for classic Barolo, with the Francia vineyard and the legendary Monfortino among the region’s most sought-after and highly acclaimed wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giacomo Conterno","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251836047697,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-20007","price":385.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2018_Giacomo_Conterno_Barolo_Francia.png?v=1783441741","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2018-giacomo-conterno-barolo-francia","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}