2023 Barbera d'Alba
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is fine, elegant and nuanced. Silky lines wrap around a core of red cherry/plum fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint, white pepper and incense. Understated and classy, the 2023 has a lot to offer. This is a relatively restrained vintage for the Francia Barbera. I would give it a bit of time in the cellar to come together. Finessed, impossibly silky tannins and clean mineral undertones support the resonant finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Barberba Francia was tasted as a barrel sample and will be bottled in May. In the glass, it boasts a youthful purple/ruby color and leads with dark stony mineral aromatics as well as violets, fresh plum, berries, sapidity, and herbs, with a resinous feel on the palate. The palate is focused and structured, with a bright red-fruited highlights, fine tannins, a refreshing spine of acidity, and a long-lasting floral and mineral textured finish.
About the producer
Giacomo Conterno is arguably Barolo’s most celebrated estate. While most famous for its Monfortino Riserva, the quality found in every bottling of Nebbiolo and Barbera at this address makes them a benchmark producer for both varieties.