{"product_id":"giacomo-conterno-francia-barolo-2020-75-cl","title":"Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiacomo Conterno, Francia Barolo 2020 is a powerful, age-worthy Barolo from one of Piedmont’s most revered traditionalists. Sourced from the famed Francia cru in Serralunga d’Alba, this wine showcases a striking balance of elegance, minerality, and structure. In the Conterno trio from a single estate, Arione brings finesse, Cerretta delivers volume, and Francia stands out for its profound tannin intensity and iron‑tinged character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2020 Francia Barolo shows a luminous, deep garnet core with a slightly translucent rim—classically Nebbiolo, yet with a sense of density that hints at its power. The nose opens with refined aromas of red and blue fruits—think wild cherry, red currant, and blueberry—offering a subtle sweetness at first, before quickly evolving toward more serious mineral and savory tones: iron ore, crushed rock, dried rose petals, and a touch of dusty spice.\n\nOn the palate, this is a tightly coiled, firmly structured Barolo, defined by its compact, gritty tannins and a focused mineral line. The fruit core is precise rather than opulent, with flavors of sour cherry, pomegranate, and plum skin layered over notes of blood orange, iron, and a faint earthy smokiness. The acidity is vibrant and refreshing, stretching the wine long across the palate. The tannins are intense yet refined—built for the long haul. While already showing its pedigree, this 2020 Francia is clearly a wine for the cellar, with significant aging potential; it should evolve beautifully over 15–25+ years, gaining complexity, aromatic depth, and greater textural harmony as the tannins resolve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrancia is a single-vineyard cru in Serralunga d’Alba, an area known for its compact clay-limestone and iron-rich soils that give Barolo its hallmark structure and minerality. The vineyard’s elevation and exposure provide excellent diurnal temperature shifts, preserving acidity and aromatic precision in Nebbiolo. Grapes are typically hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with rigorous selection in the vineyard and cellar to ensure only the finest clusters are used. In keeping with Giacomo Conterno’s traditional philosophy, fermentation is carried out in large wooden vats with extended maceration on the skins to extract depth and structure, followed by long aging in large neutral oak botti. This slow, patient approach allows the natural character of Francia’s terroir—its iron-laced minerality, firm tannic backbone, and aromatic clarity—to fully imprint itself on the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a serious, structured Barolo that shines alongside richly flavored, protein-driven dishes. Think braised beef or veal shank (osso buco), slow-cooked lamb shoulder, game birds, or aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. Classic Piedmontese pairings such as tajarin with ragù, brasato al Barolo, or mushroom and truffle dishes will highlight the wine’s earthy, mineral nuances. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo stems. In its youth, decanting for 2–3 hours is recommended to soften the firm tannins and allow the iron-mineral bouquet to emerge; as it matures, a shorter decant or a slow-ox in the bottle may be sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiacomo Conterno is one of the most iconic and respected names in Barolo, emblematic of uncompromising traditionalism in Piedmont. Founded in the early 20th century and elevated to legendary status under Giovanni Conterno, the estate is renowned for producing some of the region’s most profound and long-lived Nebbiolo wines, notably Monfortino and the cru bottlings from Francia, Arione, and Cerretta. Situated in Serralunga d’Alba, the domaine has played a pivotal role in defining the classic Barolo style: long macerations, aging in large neutral botti, and an unwavering focus on terroir expression over fashion. Today, Giacomo Conterno remains a benchmark producer, consistently earning top scores and global recognition, and is considered a reference point for collectors and serious Barolo enthusiasts worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giacomo Conterno","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252511494481,"sku":"PS-15364708991356","price":249.72,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/FRANCIA_20BAROLO_aaac44d3-d851-4cee-ac22-7f1386aa3871.png?v=1783444948","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/giacomo-conterno-francia-barolo-2020-75-cl","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}