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Sometimes wines are deeply fun; this is one of those wines. A dazzler of a Barbera, the ’09 Cascina Francia nearly vibrates with life. Pure, clean, unbelievably rich fruit dances across the tongue, while layers of complexity unfold to give wave upon wave of pleasure. Delicate wildflower aromatics, warming spiciness, zippy acidity and tongue-wrapping tannins make this wine simply stunning—and given its youth, this Barbera is only going to get better. Drinking now to the end of the next decade.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Piemonte
- Sub-region/Appellation: Barbera d'Alba
Cantina Conterno began in 1908 when Grandfather Giovanni Conterno started making wines. While not technically labeled Monfortino at the time, the now legendary riserva was born in 1915 when Giovanni placed emphasis on premium quality Barolo made only in great vintages with long fermentation and aging periods to create the best aging potential. This philosophy was inherited and taken to astronomical heights by his son Giacomo. The Conternos managed to stay afloat and even prosper over the years thanks to the Italian tradition of giving Barolo as a prestigious Christmas gift (the practice was quelled when Champagne became an international symbol for celebration): like just a few other producers, they had substantial orders from the likes of Fiat and Pirelli to feed their success. When his own work was done and the family operation had reached great heights, in the early sixties, Giacomo decided to pass the winery to his sons, Giovanni and Aldo. The credo they were taught: “Only premium quality can bring prestige to the Langhe.” Giovanni and Aldo worked together until 1969, when Aldo branched off and founded his own estate, the Poderi Aldo Conterno.
Until recently, this famed estate was run by Giacomo’s eldest son, Giovanni Conterno. With Giovanni’s recent passing, his son Roberto continues the traditional winemaking of the Langhe that has always been practiced here, resulting in the earthy kinds of wines with notes of roses and tar that made Barolo what it is.
Fanatics of quality known for their long-lived wines, this estate recently narrowed its focus strictly to Nebbiolo and Barbera. Only the highest quality grapes from Cascina Francia in Serralunga d’Alba are used for their two famed Barolos: the ‘Cascina Francia’ and the legendary ‘Monfortino' Riserva. The densely planted Francia vineyard has southwest exposure and is about 400 meters above sea level. Grapes gathered here offer deep tannins, creating ideal cellaring wines.
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