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Since 1878, Fontanafredda, located in the heart of the Langhe region, has been a true institution in Piedmont, a benchmark for authentically-styled Barolo and Barbera wines that deftly balance intense aromas and deep concentration of fruit with outstanding finesse and elegance. This style is fully in line with chief winemaker Danilo Drocco’s philosophy that “Barolo should reveal itself little by little, rather than all at once.”

The story of Fontanafredda is a noble one. It began in 1858, when Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, purchased the estate (a former hunting preserve) in order to produce fine Barolo for his personal use. Today, Fontanafredda is the single largest contiguous estate in Piedmont with over 305 acres of land, including 210 acres of vineyards in the Serralunga, Barolo and Diano d’ Alba communes. Fontanafredda enjoys unrivalled access to many of Piedmont’s greatest vineyard sites. All estate vineyards are farmed without the use of chemicals, and the property is home to a bio-natural reserve, a safe and sustainable refuge for a wide array of local flora and fauna.

Production Area
Grapes come from east-facing hillside vineyards (885-985 feet above sea). Soils of Miocene-Helvetian origin, rich in calcareous marl and potassium oxide, with good permeability.

Grape Varieties
100% Dolcetto

Vinification
Vines are guyot trained with plant density of approximately 5,000 plants/ha. Following hand harvest in mid-September, fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 86-89°F with frequent pumping over of the must to optimize the extraction of color and tannins. Temperature controlled fermentation (77-78° F) follows.

Color
Deep ruby red with violet highlights.

Bouquet
Fine, persistent aromas of blackberries and raspberries with overtones of plums and black cherries.

Taste
Full-bodied with velvety well-structured tannins. The acidity is balanced by great fruit character and a long, savory finish.

Alcohol
13.5%

Serving Suggestions
Excellent served with hot hors d’oeuvres, \ pasta dishes, vegetables and grilled meats.