Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2017

Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. The origins of Giacomo Conterno date right back to 1908 when Giovanni Conterno first opened a little inn in the village of San Giuseppe close to Monforte d’Alba. To keep his inn supplied with wine he decided to start making his own. Upon Giovanni’s death in 1934 his son Giacomo took over the family business and the Conternos soon became known for their exceptional traditional-style Barolo wines. Today the estate is run by Roberto, the grandson of Giovanni, whose wines enjoy cult status across the globe. Robert’s father, also called Giovanni, purchased the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga in 1974, recognising its potential for making excellent wines in the typical robust Conterno style. Once in the winery the grapes undergo up to four weeks of maceration and fermentation to extract intense flavours and plenty of tannins. In keeping with traditional Barolo winemaking practices, the young wine is then aged in large oak “botti” or cask for four years with just 1500 cases made during good vintages. While this magnificent Barolo can be enjoyed now with hearty red meat dishes, this powerful Barolo will benefit from extended cellaring and can be held for at least another 15 years as it continues to age and develop. Savoury notes of leather, smoked meat and dried herbs mingle on the palate with intense bursts of dark berries and ripe plums, while the full body and firm tannins are complemented by a bright streak of acidity and very long finish.

Price: £220.09 from 8wines UK