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2021 Giacomo Conterno "Francia" Barolo

2021 Giacomo Conterno "Francia" Barolo

99VN
98DC
97JD
97JS

99

Vinous

Review Date: 01/2025

The 2021 Barolo Francia is a vertical, explosive Barolo endowed with tons of energy. Bright acids and fine beams of tannin provide the framework for this striking young Barolo. All the elements are so well balanced. Time in the glass brings out an interplay of mineral-drenched energy, persistence and textural breadth. There's a lot of structure, and yet the tannins feel fine-grained and finessed. I especially admire its translucent energy. Magnificent. (AG)

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Price: $299.99

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Professional Reviews

98

Decanter

Review Date: 01/2025
As with 2020, Roberto Conterno made all three single-MGA wines in 2021: Cerretta, Arione and Francia. Bottled in May of 2024, the latter is subtlety demonstrative on the nose, albeit with some coaxing. Traces of pressed violet, pomegranate, iron and sage blossom are all detectable. The palate is appropriately taut and strict, though not in complete rigidity. Dark, pristine fruit is densely packed, intricately woven with the refined yet steely tannins which bend back around to the front of the palate, hemming it all in. Savoury, mineral and spicy on the finish. The estate will also release a 2021 Monfortino Riserva – though it is difficult to imagine how it will top this Francia. (MM)

97

Jeb Dunnuck

Review Date: 05/2025
Tasted from bottle, the 2021 Barolo Francia is a jeweled ruby color, while the nose is very pure, inviting, and perhaps a touch shy, offering notes of pure red berries, cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, and rocky earth. The structure is quite energetic and eclectic in energy, and the palate is just stunning now, with lovely sweetness, although it’s fully dry. (AF)

97

James Suckling

Review Date: 01/2025
Elegant style to this Barolo, fresh and lightly fruited with subtle spices. Wild strawberries, watermelon and hints of Parma violets, oak bark and licorice. Full-bodied with intense flavor and fine-tuned tannins, soaked in licorice again and dried flowers. Long, savory and refreshing aftertaste. Almost drinkable now, but best from October 2025.

Staff Reviews

Orazio Campoli
K&L Buyer
Review Date: 02/2026
Email Orazio
Since its first vintage in 1978, Barolo Francia has set a benchmark in Barolo. Often described as austere, structured, complex, this is to me the true definition of Barolo. My favorite bottle at this price point. This wine has a firm, glorious tannic structure. You will get overwhelmed by the red and black fruit layers, An amazing wine now, tomorrow, in 10 or 50 years. It is just an amazing wine. This is the same fruit Conterno uses in his Monfortino, Francia Barolo goes under a more classic maceration though. This makes the wine more approachable in his youth. Do not make me wrong, it is still a true masculine Barolo, but it not as severe as a Monfortino (which you definitely want to age) For a 4th of the price of a Monfortino you can try the same fruit and winemaker. All I need to love this wine.

Notes

Giacomo Conterno’s 2021 “Francia” Barolo is a profound and tightly knit expression of Serralunga d’Alba, offering intensity, structure, and remarkable precision. The nose is deep and restrained, with layers of red cherry, blood orange, and rose petal, interwoven with notes of iron, licorice, crushed rock, and balsamic herbs.

Product Details

Origin: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Type/Varietal: Nebbiolo

SKU: #1975425