Giacomo Conterno – Barolo Francia 2010 – Piedmont Italy

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia 2010 is a profound single-vineyard Nebbiolo from the historic Francia cru in Serralunga d’Alba. Intensely aromatic, structured, and built for decades of evolution, it combines the power of its terroir with remarkable perfume, precision, and finesse.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Region: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2010
• Vineyard: Francia Cru, Serralunga d’Alba
• Winemaking: Traditional, with long maceration
• Aging: Approximately four years in large oak casks
• Style: Intensely aromatic, structured, and exceptionally age-worthy Barolo

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Body: Full-bodied
• Fruit: Ripe cherry, plum, wild berries, pomegranate
• Floral: Dried rose petals and lavender
• Herbal: Sage, menthol, and subtle mint
• Savory: Tobacco, licorice, iron, and spice
• Structure: Pulsating tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, complex finish

The 2010 Francia is exceptionally expressive and constantly evolving in the glass. Aromas of lavender, dried rose, sage, menthol, and tobacco rise above ripe cherry, plum, and wild berry fruit. The palate combines generous, pliant fruit with energetic acidity and powerful tannins, creating a Barolo that feels both commanding and remarkably refined.

Its firm structure gradually reveals layers of licorice, iron, citrus peel, spice, and earth. Although already captivating for its aromatic complexity, this is a serious, traditionally made Barolo designed to develop greater harmony, nuance, and tertiary character over many years in the cellar.

❤️ Why We Love It

• A benchmark expression of the historic Francia cru in Serralunga d’Alba
• Combines intense floral aromatics with the power and structure of traditional Barolo
• Produced by one of Piedmont’s most revered and uncompromising estates
• A highly acclaimed vintage with extraordinary long-term aging potential

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• Braised beef with herbs and red wine
• Lamb shank or roasted venison
• Truffle pasta or tajarin with porcini mushrooms
• Slow-cooked short ribs
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Castelmagno

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Collectors of iconic, cellar-worthy Barolo
✓ Nebbiolo lovers who appreciate perfume, structure, and savory complexity
✓ Drinkers seeking a traditional expression of Serralunga d’Alba
✓ Those prepared to cellar a wine that will continue evolving for decades
✕ Not ideal if you prefer soft, uncomplicated reds intended for immediate drinking

🏅 Scores

• Vinous: 98+ Points
• James Suckling: 97 Points
• Wine Spectator: 96 Points

⚙️ Production

Giacomo Conterno’s Francia is produced from Nebbiolo grown in the celebrated Francia cru of Serralunga d’Alba. The estate follows an uncompromising traditional approach, using long maceration followed by approximately four years of maturation in large oak casks before bottling.

Beginning with the 2010 Barolo vintage, the wine previously labeled Cascina Francia became simply Francia to comply with the standardized naming of Barolo’s official crus. Because the corks had already been printed before the change was finalized, the corks of the 2010 vintage may still bear the name “Cascina Francia.”