Francia—formerly known as Cascina Francia—is Giacomo Conterno’s flagship vineyard
With a blend of ripe red fruit and gentle spice
eucalyptus and bay-leaf lift
where flor aging creates saline intensity
Thibaud Brocard (fifth generation) took over in 2012
Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano, 2011 LOIRECOUNT1123 Francia—formerly known as Cascina Francia—isIf you want to understand how powerful Barbaresco can get, start with Montestefano. Its south facing slope soaks up extra heat, giving Produttori del Barbaresco's most full bodied, almost meaty cru, with massive but ripe tannins; people often call it the most Barolo like wine in the range. The 2011 was a warm, generous vintage, which amplifies all of that into a rich, mouth filling bottle that's drinking well now with a good decant. Produttori only