Barolo Cascina Francia 2012 Giacomo Conterno

Barolo Francia 2012 – Giacomo Conterno

The Power of the Serralunga Cru

The Barolo Francia 2012 by Giacomo Conterno fully embodies the soul of the Cascina Francia cru, a historic vineyard located in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba. This vintage, slightly cooler than others, brings with it elegance and finesse combined with the typical power of Barolo. A wine that represents the tradition of the Serralunga terroir, with an extraordinary aging potential.

In the Vineyard: Rigorous Selection

The grapes are sourced exclusively from the Cascina Francia vineyard, known for its clay-limestone soils that impart great structure and minerality to the wines. Vineyard management is strict: low yields, no herbicides, and manual pruning to ensure the highest quality. The approach is respectful, preserving the natural expression of the terroir.

Winemaking and Aging

The fermentation occurs spontaneously, with a long maceration on the skins lasting up to 30 days. After fermentation, the wine ages for 48 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a process that allows the Barolo to develop extraordinary complexity. The absence of filtration and fining ensures that the wine retains its authentic character.

Tasting Notes 🍷

Color:
Intense ruby red with garnet highlights.

Nose:

• Ripe red fruits (cherry, blackberry)

• Spicy notes (tobacco, black pepper)

• Hints of leather and underbrush

• Subtle balsamic and mineral undertones

Palate:

• Structured, yet elegant tannins

• Great balance between freshness and softness

• Full-bodied and enveloping

• Long, persistent, and savory finish

A wine that presents itself as powerful at first, yet reveals its finesse as it evolves in the glass. Its complexity grows with aging, promising extraordinary longevity.

Technical Data

• Designation: Barolo DOCG

• Cru: Cascina Francia

• Vintage: 2012

• Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Alcohol: 14.5%

• Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation, long maceration

• Aging: ~48 months in large oak casks

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

• Aging Potential: Over 30 years

• Farming: Traditional, no herbicides or systemic chemicals

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Giacomo Conterno: The Essence of Traditional Barolo

A Legend from the Langhe

Speaking of Giacomo Conterno means invoking one of the most revered and influential names in Piedmont. This is the house that defines classical Barolo—timeless, structured, and made for the ages. From the rugged hills of Serralunga d’Alba, Conterno crafts wines that are austere yet profound, uncompromising in character, and born from a deep respect for place.

Origins and Philosophy

The story begins in 1908, when Giovanni Conterno opened a small inn in San Giuseppe. His son Giacomo would later launch the now-iconic Barolo Riserva Monfortino in the 1920s, creating what would become one of the most age-worthy and collectible wines in the world.

From the beginning, the philosophy was clear: traditional viticulture, extended macerations, and long aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This meticulous, time-honored approach remains the cornerstone of the estate’s identity.

Today, under the leadership of Roberto Conterno, the winery continues to uphold its uncompromising standards while embracing precision and refinement. The acquisition of prestigious crus like Cascina Francia and Arione has further cemented its reputation for greatness.

In the Vineyard and Cellar: A Strict Code of Conduct

Vineyard work is carried out with obsessive attention to detail. No herbicides or systemic chemicals are used. Yields are kept extremely low, and every task is done with the aim of preserving natural balance and grape integrity.

In the cellar, tradition rules: spontaneous fermentation, long maceration periods of up to 40 days, and aging in large oak casks for years—sometimes more than four. Nothing is rushed. Patience is the only formula.

Wines That Reflect Depth and Time

Every bottle from Giacomo Conterno tells a story of place and time. The legendary Barolo Monfortino Riserva, made only in the finest vintages, is a monument to structure and longevity, capable of aging for 50+ years. The Barolo Francia is precise and vertical, capturing the soul of the cru it’s named after. Arione is powerful, mineral-driven, and built for the long haul.

Even the Barbera d’Alba Francia showcases how the grape—often underestimated—can achieve nobility when treated with this level of care and discipline.

A True Benchmark

Giacomo Conterno doesn’t follow trends. It sets them. These are not fashionable wines; they are timeless expressions of one of Italy’s most noble grapes, made by a house whose name commands global respect. Every bottle is a testament to discipline, heritage, and vision.