Giacomo Conterno is one of the most highly reputed domaines in Italy and Roberto Conterno is now at the helm of this vineyard established in the 1920s. The wine is produced organically, grapes are trodden by foot, indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, pumping over is carried out frequently, and wines are aged in old barrels to give the wine character without overflavouring it. These wines are crafted for cellaring.

This Barolo Francia from Azienda Giacomo Conterno comes from the eponymous vineyard and is the most southern cru of Serralunga d’Alba. The Nebbiolo grown here benefits from the chalk-rich terroir that offers a certain salinity to its resulting wine. In the winery the domain carries out vinifications parcel by parcel, opting for longer macerations of three to four weeks. This allows for an optimal extraction of texture, colour, and flavour. The fermentation – brought about by indigenous yeasts – happens in cone-shaped, Austrian vats. The wine is then matured at length in oak casks of varied age. This wine is clearly made to be aged and is marked by a beautiful, garnet hue with flecks of orange. Its aromatic bouquet expresses complex notes of dried flowers, herbs, cherry and leather. Whilst delicate, the palate is nonetheless structured by good tannins and lifted by a frank acidity. We recommend opening this wine after fifteen years in the cellar and serving it with a characterful dish.