99 Points Vinous
The 2021 Barolo Francia is a vertical, explosive Barolo endowed with tons of energy. Bright acids and fine beams of tannin provide the framework for this striking young Barolo. All the elements are so well balanced. Time in the glass brings out an interplay of mineral-drenched energy, persistence and textural breadth. There's a lot of structure, and yet the tannins feel fine-grained and finessed. I especially admire its translucent energy. Magnificent
98 Points Decanter
As with 2020, Roberto Conterno made all three single-MGA wines in 2021: Cerretta, Arione and Francia. Bottled in May of 2024, the latter is subtlety demonstrative on the nose, albeit with some coaxing. Traces of pressed violet, pomegranate, iron and sage blossom are all detectable. The palate is appropriately taut and strict, though not in complete rigidity. Dark, pristine fruit is densely packed, intricately woven with the refined yet steely tannins which bend back around to the front of the palate, hemming it all in. Savoury, mineral and spicy on the finish. The estate will also release a 2021 Monfortino Riserva – though it is difficult to imagine how it will top this Francia.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted from bottle, the 2021 Barolo Francia is a jeweled ruby color, while the nose is very pure, inviting, and perhaps a touch shy, offering notes of pure red berries, cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, and rocky earth. The structure is quite energetic and eclectic in energy, and the palate is just stunning now, with lovely sweetness, although it’s fully dry.
Winemaker Note
In years of outstanding quality, a selection is made while the Nebbiolo grapes are still on the vines, and the very best are reserved to become Monfortino. The two Barolos are fermented identically, with the exception that no temperature control is employed for Monfortino no matter how high the temperatures may go. The wines are then racked into their respective botti for élevage. The Barolo "Cascina Francia" is bottled after approximately four years in wood, and the Monfortino after approximately seven years. Beginning with the 2010 Barolo and 2012 Barbera, the wines will labeled as simply "Francia," as opposed to "Cascina Francia." The change was made to comply to the new standardization of Barolo cru' names across the region - there was no change to the source nor the winemaking or aging of the wine. Conterno did a more severe than usual green harvest in the 2010. That combined with there being a future release of Monfortino 2010 resulted in the winery's making only 1/3 the amount of Cascina Francia.
