Cantina Francone in Barbaresco is a 5th generation winemaking family. The cantina remains deeply rooted in tradition with innovative technologies and practices powering them into the future.
In 2015 Francone became a popular stop on our Barbaresco and Barolo wine tours. So, I thought I’d do my first 2016 post introducing Cantina Francone in Barbaresco, then give you a sneak peek at the new label designs they are releasing this year.
Read on and give your opinion on the new designs!
Get to know Cantina Francone in Barbaresco
Cantina Francone in Barbaresco is located in the winemaking area of Neive. Today brothers Fabrizio and Marco manage the production and operations.
They produce roughly 100,000 bottles annually with a portfolio that includes the traditional wines of the area: Roero Arneis, Dolcetto, Barbera, Langhe Nebbiolo, Moscato d’Asti, Barbaresco, Barbaresco Riserva, and even a Barolo. In addition, they also do a metodo classico sparkling Nebbiolo, Langhe Chardonnay, Langhe Rosso, and a few more.
Cantina Francone’s high quality wines and incredible cellar door prices are not the only reasons visitors love it.
The cantina showcases antique tools that were used for harvest, press, and general production work. During the visit guests hear about different winemaking techniques, including their sparkling method, tank procedures, aging in both barrique and large oak casks, and much more.
During the 2015 harvest we were lucky enough to taste the 2015 Arneis and Dolcetto directly from the tank, freshly pressed and still fermenting. We also hit the vineyards to check out some Nebbiolo for Barbaresco harvest.
A Virtual Tour: Cantina Francone in Barbaresco
During our harvest visit we had Penny from blog Adventures of a Carry-on with us. Be on the lookout at her blog for more on her time at Francone.
New Year, New Labels for Cantina Francone
As mentioned, Francone is currently working on a new label design for their Langhe Chardonnay and Dolcetto d’Alba. When I visited with Fabrizio last week he asked my opinion. The one I liked was different from the favorite of both Fabrizio and Il Marito. That got my marketing brain wondering which labels are more attractive to the larger public, and why.
A few words on wine labels.
In the past two months this is the second producer who has shown Il Marito and I new wine labels that are set to launch with their latest vintage. For the smaller, family owned wineries in our area it is a very personal thing. As a marketer I know that big budgets and research and development can play heavily into packaging decisions. It makes sense. Often, the label is the consumers’ first impression of the wine.
A lot of studies have been done on what design elements are most important to drive sales. A wine producer in Priorat once told us that wines with animals sell at much higher rate, so they factored that into their design. Others variables include font, color, bottle size, and even bottle weight. The rationale behind each can be fascinating.
All of these things are being considered in Piedmont, in as much as these small producers are able. Piedmont is home to the contadine, people who work the land. In many cases the family handles everything, from vineyard and cellar work to sales and marketing to tours and tastings. They don’t have marketing pros or budgets to invest in market research. Labels are an expression of their winery, the history, and culture. The hope is that it appeals to you and I as a wine drinking consumer.
What label do you prefer: Oval or Square?
I won’t go into the fonts or design selected. Please, just look at the label, pick a preference, then leave a comment below AND / OR visit Francone on Facebook to tell him what you like. Extra credit: any reason why?
When the label is selected I’ll do a follow-up posting sharing the final product.
Visit Cantina Francone in Barbaresco:
- Cantina Francone. Via Tanaro 45, 12052 Neive. tel. +39 0173 67068, francone@franconevini.com. Tastings are available by appointment only; fees vary by the number of wines (waived with minimum purchase; inquire for more details).
- Custom Wine Tours. If you are planning a Barbaresco and Barolo wine tour, we can help. For more information and to book, click here.
Read More About Barbaresco and Barolo Wine Tours:
- Barbaresco and Barolo Wine Tour Planning: Things to know before you go!
- Getting Around Barolo and Barbaresco
- When is the best time to Visit Piedmont?
