Giacomo Conterno, Barolo Cascina Francia 1999

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 1999 is a benchmark, traditionally crafted Barolo from one of Piemonte’s most revered producers. Sourced exclusively from the legendary Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, this wine captures the power, structure and longevity that have made the estate a global reference for classic Barolo. The excellent 1999 vintage, marked by a warm summer and stable autumn, further elevates this bottling into the realm of the truly collectible.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1999 Cascina Francia shows a deep garnet core with brick and terracotta hues beginning to form at the rim, reflecting its graceful evolution in bottle. The nose is intensely complex and layered, with dark cherries and wild berries intertwined with dried roses, tar, liquorice, leather, balsamic notes and a distinct mineral edge. Subtle hints of underbrush, tobacco and spice emerge with air, adding further nuance. On the palate, this Barolo is full-bodied, tightly knit and still remarkably vibrant. The tannins are firm yet finely grained, supported by high, mouth-watering acidity that keeps the wine fresh despite its age. Flavours of macerated cherry, plum, dried red fruits and rose petal mingle with savoury notes of earth, herbs and cured leather, leading into a long, persistent finish with lingering mineral and balsamic tones. At this stage it is beautifully expressive but still has the depth and structure to evolve further; well-stored bottles can continue to develop complexity for another decade or more.

Production
Cascina Francia is a steep, southwest-facing vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, planted on calcareous clay and limestone-rich soils that naturally yield Nebbiolo of great tannic backbone and depth. In 1999, grapes were harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, carefully sorted, and traditionally vinified. The fruit was fully destemmed and fermented in large, open wooden vats, with a long maceration of around 3–4 weeks on the skins to extract maximum aroma, colour and structure. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for approximately 48 months in large Slavonian oak botti, a hallmark of the Conterno style, allowing slow, controlled development while preserving the purity of the Nebbiolo fruit and the distinctive terroir expression of Serralunga. Further bottle aging before release adds refinement and integration.

Food & Serving
This is a meditative, gastronomic Barolo that shines alongside richly flavoured dishes. Ideal pairings include braised beef or veal (osso buco, brasato al Barolo), game birds, lamb, truffle-infused dishes, risotto with porcini mushrooms, and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or mature pecorino. For optimal enjoyment, serve at around 18 °C and decant well in advance—4 to 6 hours is recommended—to allow the wine to fully open and unfold its aromatic complexity. Use large, tulip-shaped glasses to give the aromas room to evolve in the glass.

Producer
Giacomo Conterno is one of the most iconic and respected names in Barolo, widely regarded as a guardian of the region’s most traditional winemaking practices. Founded in the early 20th century, the estate gained international renown under Giovanni Conterno and later his son Roberto, who have remained steadfast in their commitment to long macerations, extended aging in large Slavonian oak and low-intervention cellar work. Located in Monforte d’Alba, the family’s acquisition and exclusive bottling of Cascina Francia in Serralunga d’Alba established a new benchmark for single-vineyard Barolo. Today, Giacomo Conterno’s wines are among the most sought-after in Piemonte, celebrated for their purity, structure, longevity and faithful expression of terroir.

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