Dark and brooding, this red delivers blackberry, plum, tamarind and light earth flavors allied with a rich texture. Firms up, with light tannins gracing the finish. Compelling, thanks to underlying mineral and saline elements. Drink now through 2027. 1,667 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

The 2019 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is all about precision, power and a meticulous orderly approach that brings new intervals of increased aromatic intensity with each sip and swirl of the glass. The wine can be characterized as exceptionally direct and frank, and these qualities are especially well executed in this classic vintage. Barbera is cultivated at the top and the lower parts of the Francia vineyard, and this wine carries slightly more fruit weight and structure compared to the Cerretta. Francia also ends with distinctly mineral or graphite-like notes with iron or rust.

The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is showing nicely now thanks to the crisp fruit, cherry and balsam aromas that are coaxed out of Barbera grapes in the cooler growing seasons. Warmer temperatures before harvest help to bring out more of the purple and black-toned aromas you expect of this variety, with a little more fruit volume as well. In all, this vintage offers a more tapered approach that sets it apart from the richer 2019 edition and gives this wine a little more accessibility overall.

Compared to the expression from the Cerretta vineyard, the 2017 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is even darker in color with more austerity and muscle power at the back. The alcohol reading of the two wines is the same (15.5%), but this expression offers less obvious fruit and more dark mineral instead. The soils in the Francia vineyard see a mix of limestone sand and clay, and this is true of where both the Barbera and the Nebbiolo vines are located. You sense an increased mineral presence in the Francia with iron, salt and scorched earth. This full-throttle Barbera is penetrating and deep. This is a fine expression of the grape, offering exacting detail and precision.

A dense, powerful version, exhibiting plum, blackberry, cola and baking spice flavors. Heady, with appreciable tannins, but this is well-balanced and long overall. Drink now through 2025. 833 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add