The Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia Tasting and Dinner

Date: 04 Feb 2015

Time: 15:00

location: The Don, St Swithins Lane

Price: £ 275.00 (inc. VAT)

Last year, I read about Antonio Galloni’s epic vertical tasting of Monfortino from Giacomo Conterno. I have since had it in mind to almost replicate the line-up by focusing on the other Barolo made from this outstanding vineyard.

As you may well know, the estate of Giacomo Conterno, today in the hands of Roberto Conterno, produces two Baroli from the same vineyard. The vineyard in question is Cascina Francia; the wines are ‘Monfortino’ and the eponymous ‘Cascina Francia’. While highlighting the quality of Francia, this tasting will provide a fascinating chance to understand the evolution of great Barolo by showcasing fourteen back to back vintages, spanning 1996-2010 (the 2002 was not made).

Of the two wines made from this parcel of vines in Serralunga d’Alba, it is the Monfortino that steals the limelight, and the wine simply bearing the name of the vineyard ‘Cascina Francia’ is viewed rather unfairly as a second wine. I think this is an unfair charge as this tasting will no doubt prove. The qualitative gulf between the two wines is not always as vast as you might expect – and certainly not as vast as the gulf in price might suggest. Monfortino sells for on or around £4500 per 12 on release whereas Cascina Francia comes in at a more modest £900 per 12. Monfortino is after all a selection of the best fruit from the vineyard; it hasn’t been made in each and every year. There are some occasions when Monfortino hasn’t been made, and some occasions where Cascina Francia hasn’t been made – the fruit for one being diverted to the other.

I would like to extend an invitation to you to join me at The Don for a vertical tasting on 4th February 2015.

We will begin with a glass of Champagne at 6.45pm. I will then take you through seven vintages in advance of dinner, partnering the remaining seven vintages against three courses prepared by The Don’s Head Chef. We anticipate the evening to conclude around 10.30pm.

I am really looking forward to this event. It will be a great opportunity to catch up and I anticipate a remarkable range of wines; it is after all, rare to get the chance to taste such a range of vintages in one evening.

Tickets for the 14-wine vertical tasting and three course dinner will be £275 (including VAT). As we are only extending the invitation to just over a dozen clients, I would appreciate it you could let us know of your interest at the earliest opportunity as space is strictly limited.

Thanks and all the best,

Simon