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
Vineyards are located on the hills of the Langhe where the soils have high limestone and marl content.
Grape Varieties
100% Nebbiolo
Vinification
Vines are guyot trained with plant density at 4,200 plants/ha. Harvest takes place in the first ten days of October. The wine is traditionally vinified with a 7-8 day floating cap fermentation in temperature controlled (82◦F) stainless steel tanks.
Color
Deep ruby red with violet highlights.
Bouquet
Complex nose with traces of withered flowers, such as roses and, above-all, geraniums.
Taste
Warm, soft, and inviting, with velvety tannins, great balanced and a lingering finish.
Alcohol
13.5%
Serving Suggestions
Ideal with flavorful pasta dishes, meats and medium-aged cheeses.