Freisa Fontanafredda 1976
This is a 1976 Freisa from the historic producer Fontanafredda, classified as a Vino da Tavola del Piemonte. Vinified and bottled at the estate's cellars in Serralunga d'Alba, this red wine is presented in a 750ml bottle with an alcohol content of 11.5%. It is crafted from Freisa, a traditional Piedmontese grape variety closely related to Nebbiolo, which is typically cultivated in areas such as Asti, Chieri, and across the wider Piedmont region.
Fontanafredda boasts an origin story resembling a historical drama. The estate was founded in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king after the unification, as a gift for his mistress and eventual wife, Rosa Vercellana, affectionately known as 'Bella Rosin'. Their son, Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiore, further developed the winery and released the first Barolo label from the property with the 1878 vintage. Following a period of ownership by the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank starting in 1931, the estate was purchased in 2008 by Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo, who have since transitioned it into the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont. The estate's characteristic buildings, adorned with brown and ochre stripes, proudly display the Savoy colors as a visible reminder of its royal heritage. Fontanafredda holds a unique status in the area, as the entire estate constitutes its own MGA and monopole cru. With 120 hectares of vineyards within a 300-hectare property, it stands as the largest contiguous winery in Italy.
The wine originates from Piedmont, a prestigious wine region in northwestern Italy surrounded by the Alps. The name literally translates to "at the foot of the mountain." The region is renowned for its dramatic, steep hills, particularly in the Langhe subregion, where autumn mornings are often blanketed in thick fog. This terroir-focused area is characterized by passionate winemaking and is globally recognized for its deep connection to local gastronomy, including the exclusive white truffles of Alba and local hazelnuts.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded as this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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