Compared to the expression from the Cerretta vineyard, the 2017 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is even darker in color with more austerity and muscle power at the back. The alcohol reading of the two wines is the same (15.5%), but this expression offers less obvious fruit and more dark mineral instead. The soils in the Francia vineyard see a mix of limestone sand and clay, and this is true of where both the Barbera and the Nebbiolo vines are located. You sense an increased mineral presence in the Francia with iron, salt and scorched earth. This full-throttle Barbera is penetrating and deep. This is a fine expression of the grape, offering exacting detail and precision.

Conterno's 2017 Barbera d'Alba Francia is super-expressive and explosive, with soaring perfume and deep, plush fruit. Lavender, mint, spice and a core of inky, plush fruit all develop in the glass. In tasting, the Francia has a vertical lift to it that is compelling. The 2017 has tremendous aromatic and structural intensity that will start to blossom in another few years' time.