Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo 2018 MG

Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo Francia 2018 in magnum is a serious, cellar‑worthy expression of Serralunga d’Alba—precise, compact and full of promise. Sourced from the famed Francia vineyard, this Barolo is initially reserved, built on line and focus rather than early opulence, and is crafted to unfold slowly over decades. Presented in 1.5 L format, it offers an even more graceful evolution, ideal for collectors and for the table on special occasions.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Barolo Francia shows a luminous, deep garnet core with brick-red reflections toward the rim—classic young Nebbiolo from Serralunga. The nose is still quite primary at this stage, with tightly wound aromas of dark cherries and ripe wild strawberries, gradually opening to reveal hints of grilled herbs, blue flowers, dried rose petals and warm terracotta or baked brick. On the palate, this is linear, firm and finely chiseled, more about structure and definition than volume in its youth. The tannins are authoritative yet refined, forming a clear backbone around which the wine will flesh out with time. Flavors of dark cherry, red currant and wild berries weave with savory notes of dried herbs, violet, subtle spice and mineral-tinged earth. Acidity is vibrant, giving lift and length to a persistent finish. In magnum, the aging potential is outstanding: expect peak maturity to begin after 10–15 years from vintage, with the capacity to evolve gracefully for well over 25 years under proper cellaring.

Production
Barolo Francia 2018 comes from the renowned Francia cru in Serralunga d’Alba, a zone recognized for its steep slopes, calcareous marl and iron‑rich soils that naturally yield powerful, long-lived Nebbiolo. The vineyard’s exposure and altitude foster slow, even ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic detail. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturity, with strict selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. Vinification follows the traditional Conterno approach: long macerations on the skins, spontaneous fermentations, and extended aging in large, neutral Slavonian oak botti, allowing the wine’s structure and terroir character to take center stage rather than new oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a classic Barolo for robust, savory dishes: think braised veal shank (ossobuco), slow-cooked lamb, game birds, rich meat ragù over tajarin, truffle dishes, porcini risotto or aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and mature Castelmagno. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F); in magnum format, allow extra time for the wine to come up to temperature. Decanting is strongly recommended in its youth—2–3 hours for now to help the aromas unfurl and the tannins relax—while mature bottles may need a gentler, shorter decant to remove sediment.

Producer
Giacomo Conterno is one of the benchmark names in Barolo and a standard‑bearer for traditional, age-worthy Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Founded in the early 20th century and elevated to global fame under Giovanni and later Roberto Conterno, the estate has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and classic, cellar‑driven winemaking. The acquisition and meticulous stewardship of top sites like Francia have cemented Conterno’s status at the pinnacle of the Serralunga d’Alba hierarchy. Their wines—particularly from cru vineyards and in magnum—are among the most sought-after in the region, regularly earning critical acclaim and a place in serious collectors’ cellars worldwide.

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