Download Complete Production Notes

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 are grown in south-facing vineyards in the steeply sloping hills of Santo Stefano Belbo where the white soil is packed with calcareous marl, and has an alkaline pH. The vineyard's distinctive qualities are brought out in the explosion of aromas that are strongly reminiscent of the smell of fresh muscat grapes.

Grape Varieties
100% White Moscato

Vinification
Vines are guyot trained with plant density at 6,000 plants/ha. In the end of August, beginning of September, the grapes are picked by hand, with a part being pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery, while the remainder are de-stemmed before undergoing brief maceration in a temperature controlled tank, where they are kept for approximately 12 hours at a temperature of 41°F. Very gentle pressing extracts only the free-running juice from the grapes, separating it from the solid parts. The fermentation begins when the temperature arrives at 64°F, and is brought to an end when 3 degrees of alcohol have been reached.

Color
Pale gold with golden highlights

Bouquet
Delicate hints of ripe pear, white peach, honey, linden and orange blossom, sage and lemon.

Taste
Full-bodied with a sweetness nicely balanced by refreshing acidity.

Alcohol
5.5%

Serving Suggestions
Very enjoyable on its own, it is also a perfect match for many types of desserts