Background

If there is one Italian wine label with a rich, royal history, it has got to be Fontanafredda. Started by the first King of Italy in 1858, Fontanafredda, is one of the richest and authentic Italian wine labels today. Vittorio Emanuele II purchased the Fontanafredda wine estate, and dedicated the same to his children, who were the Count of Fontanafredda and Mirafore. Within 8 years of buying the estate, the King bought his first Barola vineyard. Within 1870, the Fontanafredda cellars witnessed an authentic vinification process. By 1878, the King’s son established another 300 hectares of vineyards that belonged to the local workers as part of his estate. In the year 1931, the Italian wine industry was severely hit because of the serious disease that affected the vines, phylloxera. At that time, the ownership of the Fontanafredda Wine Estate was transferred to the Gancia Family. In the year 2015, organic farming techniques got introduced in the estate. Today, the Fontanafredda Wine Estate is one of the most popular wine producers in the Barolo region. Close to 120 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to producing organic wines in the Narrant Village.

Tasting notes

This full-bodied red wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, complex aroma of ripe red fruits, spices, and leather, and a dry, tannic finish.

Winemaking

Made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes the fermentation is traditional, carried out for an average of 15 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature (30-31 °C) with a floating cap and frequent pumping over of the must. The must is then left on the skins for several days to optimize the extraction of the polyphenolic substances and to help the malolactic fermentation get underway. It is aged for two years in large casks made of oak (from Slavonia and mid-France), followed by 8 months in the bottle.

Food pairings

Ideal with rich red meats, and hard cheeses, as well as a perfect after-dinner wines.