"There is a level of pure depth here that is absolutely compelling." -Antonio Galloni

Roberto Conterno is one of the world's great winemakers.

Unsurprisingly, his 2012 Barolo Francia is one of the great examples of the vintage.

The fact that no Monfortino was bottled in 2012 is really important. The best grapes (that would have otherwise gone into Conterno's flagship bottling) went into the Francia instead. It's clear that this elevated the 2012 Francia to an incredibly high level.

This is a monumental Barolo. The grandeur and architecture of the wine can border on stupefying at times. There's a lovely nuanced gripping depth to the 2012 Francia.

The Barolo Francia comes from one of Serralunga’s top sites, a commune renowned for the density, texture and heft of its wines. The 2012 Francia isn't shy in the power department, but also struts the breeding and finesse that Conterno endows the wine with.

Over the years, we've made it a point to aggressively chase down the Francia in vintages when Monfortino isn't produced. Francia is always a stunning a wine, but in these years it reaches a level of concentration and ageability that's truly stunning.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits

2012 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia

Antonio Galloni: "The 2012 Barolo Francia is dark, virile and intense, with a huge center of fruit to match its distinctly brooding personality. Today, the 2012 also comes across as quite closed in on itself, but there is a level of pure depth here that is absolutely compelling. Conterno has decided not to bottle a Monfortino, so there is good reason to think the bottled Francia has the potential to be stellar."