Giacomo Conterno, Barolo 'Cascina Francia' 1997

Cascina Francia is the main character in the history of Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo. For decades the family purchased grapes, until in 1974 they bought a hay field called Cascina Francia. In the final hours of negotiations, Giovanni Conterno said that the seller tried to increase the price. His wife insisted he get the deal done and not to return home until he did. He made it back for dinner, and from that point on the wine world has had a star. Here, the nebbiolo grape is both light and elegant as well as infinitely age-worthy. Up until 2015, this was the base of Monfortino. The difference between the two is that the normal Barolo Cascina Francia bottling is not aged in oak as long, making it a subtly more delicate version of a nearly identical wine. The best vintages of Cascina Francia are 1978, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2016.

1997 is a Monfortino vintage. The Cascina Franca bottling of that year is ready to drink now. It has flavors of tea, strawberry jam, and truffle.

*Opening old wine can be tricky. Many corks are fragile, and if you’re not careful, can break. Just because a cork crumbles doesn't mean the wine’s off. If you're new to buying old wine or curious about the condition, just reach out.

Please note: we aren’t able to take returns of any corked or damaged bottles.