2011 Barbera d'Alba

Conterno's 201 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia emerges from the glass with an exciting mélange of savory herbs, rose petals, wild flowers and dark red fruit. Here the expression of fruit is broad, ample and generous, with layers of fruit that cover every inch of the palate. The Cascina Francia is expansive, while the Cerretta is a bit more focused. Both are fabulous.

The 2011 Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia expresses itself with floral tones of pressed rose, wild berry and crushed mineral. The power and intensity of the bouquet is especially attractive and bold. The wine’s dark concentration and thick layers are so beautifully uplifted by those ethereal and almost feminine aromas. These are two very different expressions of Barbera, each one carefully marked by its specific territory. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022. There is something almost ecclesiastical about a cellar visit to Giacomo Conterno at the foot of Monforte d’Alba. Enter his gates and you immediately cross an imaginary threshold into a spiritual and sobering world. The winery has the feeling of a vast cathedral with soaring ceilings and open spaces. Impeccable oak casks, each beautifully varnished, line the cellar perimeters like a succession of small family chapels. Roberto Conterno glides slowly and steadily across the tiled floor as if he were a priest lost in a contemplative moment of prayer. He carefully wipes the spigots clean of each stray drop with a white handkerchief he keeps at his side. The official tasting of his wine is performed with the ceremonial precision and religious intensity of a First Communion. And, just as when Mass has concluded, there’s a subtle sense of relief when you finally step back out into the sunlight. Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484