Fontanafredda: Royal origins and a commitment to sustainability
Fontanafredda is a historic estate in the municipality of the same name in Piedmont, with a unique origin rooted in the love story between the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Rosa Vercellana. In 1858, their son, Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiore, founded the vineyard, laying the foundations for what would become a significant producer in the Barolo region. Today, Fontanafredda is known not only for its history, but also for its commitment to sustainability, as it is the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont since the 2018 harvest.
The Fontanafredda estate in Serralunga d'Alba is the largest single vineyard in the Langhe, covering around 250 acres, including vineyards, woodland and the village buildings and cellars. The municipality of Serralunga d'Alba is known for producing Barolos of excellent structure and refinement, often sought after for their ability to add backbone to blended wines from the appellation. The soils in this area are characterised by a high content of limestone and grey marl, alternating with sand, which contributes to the distinctive character of the wines. Fontanafredda also has vineyards in other municipalities in the Barolo region, including Barolo and Diano d'Alba, as well as in other parts of Piedmont.
Fontanafredda produces a range of wines that express the depth and diversity of the Langhe, with their Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba DOCG serving as the estate's flagship wine. This was the first municipally designated Barolo bottling to be released to the market, highlighting the specific terroir of Serralunga. The winemaking process involves a 15-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by maceration for a further 15 days. The wine is then aged for one year in barriques and two years in large oak barrels, with a further 12 months in bottle. This results in a Barolo with a bright ruby red colour, an intriguing bouquet of wilted roses and undergrowth, and a silky, yet tense and lively taste with aromas of small red fruits and mint.
In addition to their Barolo di Serralunga, Fontanafredda also produces other Barolos, including a Barolo Riserva DOCG and single-vineyard expressions such as Barolo MGA Proprietà in Fontanafredda. Their portfolio also includes other Piedmontese wines such as Barbaresco, Barbera and Dolcetto, as well as white wines such as Langhe Arneis and Gavi.
Fontanafredda's Barolos consistently receive positive reviews from wine critics. Their Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba has garnered scores in the low to mid-90s from publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, praised for its balance of elegance and austerity. Their Barolo MGA Proprietà in Fontanafredda has received even higher accolades, including a 97-point rating and Platinum Award from Decanter Magazine.
A distinctive feature of Fontanafredda is its unique history as a royal estate, combined with its modern commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture.60 Under the leadership of visionary entrepreneur Oscar Farinetti, Fontanafredda has embraced practices that respect the environment and promote the biodiversity of the Langhe region. This blend of historical significance and forward-thinking sustainability makes Fontanafredda a compelling producer in the Barolo landscape.
