Langhe Fontanafredda 2005
The 2005 Langhe Fontanafredda is a red wine crafted entirely from Nebbiolo, Italy's premier grape variety known for producing elegant wines with great structure. Originating from the prestigious Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, this wine is classified as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is globally recognized for its dramatic, steep hills and profound focus on terroir. The Nebbiolo grapes thrive in this environment, particularly in the Langhe area around Alba, where the characteristic autumn morning fog protects the vineyards and ensures a long, perfect ripening period.
The Langhe area serves as an important umbrella for several of Piedmont's most renowned wines. While the region is famous for its complex Barolo and Barbaresco, the serious Nebbiolo wines from Langhe often provide a highly regarded alternative. Following the harvest, this specific 2005 vintage was aged for two to three months in wooden barrels before being bottled, resulting in a finished alcohol content of 13.5%.
Fontanafredda boasts a history that reads like 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 estate's first Barolo label with the 1878 vintage. Today, the characteristic buildings, adorned with brown and ochre stripes, proudly display the Savoy colors as a visible reminder of the winery's royal origins.
After a period of ownership by the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank starting in 1931, Fontanafredda entered a new era in 2008 under the ownership of Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo. This modern leadership has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, making Fontanafredda the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont as of the 2018 vintage. The estate holds a unique status in the area, as the entire property constitutes its own MGA and monopole-cru. With 120 hectares of vineyards set within a total property of over 300 hectares, it stands as Italy's largest contiguous winery.
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 while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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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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