# Barolo (2019)

- **Producer:** Fontanafredda
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, plum, rose, violet, mint, vanilla, cloves, cedar, toast, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushroom, tar

## About this wine

Established in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy, Fontanafredda was originally founded as a gift for his mistress and eventual wife, Rosa Vercellana (known as 'La Bella Rosina'). Their son, the Count of Mirafiori, began commercial winemaking here in 1878, pioneering some of the very first estate-bottled Barolos in history. Today, Fontanafredda stands as the largest contiguous estate in the Langhe region of Piedmont, and has been certified organic since the 2018 harvest, continuing its legacy of historic, terroir-driven winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1858 by Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king, as a gift for his mistress Rosa Vercellana.
- Fontanafredda is the largest contiguous estate in the Langhe, certified organic since 2018.
- The 2019 'Renaissance' edition features 'Fiducia' (Trust) with custom artwork by Andrea Calisi.

## Food pairing

Barolo's high tannins and high acidity require rich, protein-heavy dishes and savory fats to soften the structure. Classic Piedmontese pairings like game, rich beef stews, and truffle-accented dishes work beautifully because the fat coats the palate, mitigating the astringency of the Nebbiolo grape.

## Wine making process

The grapes are entirely hand-harvested in the first and second decades of October. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures (27-28°C) in stainless steel tanks with a floating cap for 15 days, followed by post-fermentation skin contact to maximize polyphenol extraction. The wine is aged for 24 months in medium and large Slavonian and French oak casks, followed by further refinement in concrete tanks and bottles before release.