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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
Vineyards are located in medium and upper slopes (985-1300 feet above sea level). All vineyards face south/south-west. The soils are of Miocene-Helvetian origin with a high content of limestone and grey marl alternating with sand.

Grape Varieties
100% Nebbiolo

Vinification
Vines are guyot trained with plant density around 4,400 plants/ha. Harvest takes place in the first half of October. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented for 15 days in stainless steel vats with a floating cap at a controlled temperature (85-87°F). The must then stays in contact with the skins for a further 15 days to optimize the extraction and help start the subsequent malolactic fermentation.

Color
Garnet-red with ruby highlights that take on a slightly orange tone over time

Bouquet
Intense nose with overtones of vanilla, spices, withered roses and underbrush.

Taste
Dry, full-bodied with velvety texture and great balance. It is very long-lasting.

Alcohol
13.5%

Serving Suggestions
Ideal with hearty red meat dishes and medium or mature cheeses.