2014 Fontanafredda Barolo and its producer are intimately connected with the history and winemaking tradition in the Piemonte region of Italy.
Barolo is long considered a king of wine in Italy and is among the most iconic wines worldwide. Together with Barbaresco – the queen of Italian wine, it’s the same thing for Italy as Bordeaux and Burgundy for France. Coincidentally, it takes its name not after the grape but after the place. Like in France, the terroir is a deciding factor that determines the quality.
To be called Barolo, the wine must be based on the Nebbiolo grape grown in Barolo DOCG (appellation) of Piemonte and made here following strict production rules. By the way, Barbaresco is also made in Piemonte and with the same grape varietal but considered a softer feminine expression of Nebbiolo.
Fontanafredda Estate Story
The Fontanafredda Estate story is among the most romantic we heard. It started almost like a fairy tale: a king fell in love with a common girl. True story. Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Sardinia, had fallen in love with Rosa Vercellana, also known as “La bela Rosin,” a daughter of a drum major at his majesty’s service.
In 1858 the Fontanafredda estate was bought by Vittorio Emanuele II as a gift to his mistress “La bela Rosin.” Later, it was handed down to their children, Maria Vittoria and Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda.
Winemaking in the cellars of Fontanafredda began in 1870, although the first mentioning of a Barolo Fontanafredda dates back to 1867. It became a commercial winery under the leadership of Count Emanuele Alberto of Mirafiori only in 1878. Thanks to his efforts, Barolo became a legendary wine by the end of the 19th century.
While Fontanafredda started like a fairy tale, its story wasn’t all roses. Phylloxera’s plight, World War I, and Great Depression brought economic hardship. The family had to sell the estate and brand name to survive. Estate changed hands a few times, but after 70 years, Fontanafredda is once again in the hands of Piedmont natives since 2009.
Today Fontanafredda property in Serralunga d’Alba is the single largest contiguous wine estate in Barolo DOCG. It includes 247 acres of vineyards, 30 acres of woodland, and 10 acres occupied by the cellars and village buildings.
What makes Barolo unique is that those 247 acres are a mosaic of different terroirs that produce somewhat different wine from the same grape varietal.
Fontanafredda has vineyards in the municipalities of Serralunga d’Alba, Diano d’Alba, Barolo, Dogliani, Farigliano, Alba, Rodello, and Murinsengo, at altitudes between 200 – 400m. Since the 2018 harvest, Fontanafredda is the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont.
Under the leadership of visionary entrepreneur Oscar Farinetti, Fontanafredda has built a portfolio of wines that express the region’s depth and diversity.
In the Bottle of 2014 Fontafredda Barolo
2014 Fontanafredda Barolo made for the grapes of one particular area in Barolo – Serralunga d’Alba. But wait! There’s more! It is a blend of grapes from all 11 communes within the Serralunga d’Alba area. Traditionally all Barolo had been made that way. By blending them together, winemakers able to create the wine that makes Barolo legendary.
After the harvest in October, the grape must go through 8-10 days of fermentation with native yeast in stainless steel vats followed by several days of skin maceration to extract the flavors.
Fontanafredda aims to use as little sulfites as possible, and on average, use 40% fewer sulfites than allowed by law.
New wine is aged for two years in large Slovenian and French oak casks and at least a year in a bottle.
In the Glass of 2014 Fontanafredda Barolo
In the glass, 2014 Fontanafredda Barolo has a beautiful medium ruby color with an orange rim.
We sensed the aromas of ripe sour cherry and cherry candy, kirsch liqueur and blueberry, dry flowers, and sage.
The flavors are a complex concoction of red cherry and ripe cranberry, blueberry, and Cornelian cherry with a touch of smoke.
It finished with a lasting combination of prune and red plum.
Pairing 2014 Fontanafredda Barolo with Food
Fontanafredda Barolo 2014 pairs great with roasted game, goose and duck. Thanks to its high acidity and robust tannins, it compliments New York Steak and fillet mignon really well. And if you prefer fish, try it with wild Alaskan salmon.
It also a traditional pairing with Piemonte delicacy – truffles. After all, it makes a lot’s sense because Piemonte is famous for its white truffles. Try it with porcini risotto.
Conclusion
Tasting beautiful now, 2014 Fontanafredda is still a teenager in Barolo’s years. Barolos are among the longest-lived wines in the world, and this wine can age for another decade or two.