Fontanafredda is one of Piedmont’s historic estates, founded in 1858 by Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, and long associated with the early development of Barolo. Centered in Serralunga d’Alba, the estate farms extensive vineyards across prime Langhe crus and has become a leader in sustainable, biodiversity‑focused viticulture. Today Fontanafredda produces a wide range of wines—from approachable everyday bottlings to site‑specific Barolo—known for their balance, purity, and classic regional character, all rooted in more than 160 years of winemaking heritage.
A Barolo with a bright, ruby red color, with bright garnet reflections, which has an intriguing bouquet to the nose and recalls withered rose and underwood. The intense fragrance leaves room for spicier, more complex and more elegant hints. In the mouth it’s silky, but at the same time, tense, rotund and vibrant. We can easily perceive an aroma of small red fruit, as well as a hint of mint. The tannin is young and energetic, and it expresses all its ageing potential, which is typical of a great Barolo.
93 Wine Spectator This red rides a fine balance between elegance and austerity, with cherry, strawberry, rose and hay aromas and flavors fused to a spine of stiff tannins; nevertheless, this is long and engaging. Best from 2026 through 2042. 7,400 cases made, 5,100 cases imported.
91 James Suckling Aromas of fresh flowers, cedar and sandalwood as well as sliced plums. Medium body, fine tannins and a clean and crisp finish.
91 Wine Enthusiast Brooding aromas of black cherry, pepper and coriander all swirl in the glass alongside subtle notes of dried rose and crushed stone. The palate is brighter with tart red fruits on the core with notes of black tea, anise and superfine tannins on the lifted finish.
91 Falstaff Bright ruby red with a brilliant core. Very savoury, peppery and earthy on the nose with notes of cedar, but not clean aromas. Powerful on the palate with rich tannins, deep, earthy notes, still very youthful with good development potential.
91 Gismondi From a stellar vintage in 2019, this is a label you can depend on, and given the year, it is one that will keep easily for 10-15 years. The Serralunga label first appeared in 1988, celebrating the terroir of Serralunga and its ability to produce elegant wines. The nose is a classic red plum affair streaked with leather, earth and truffle. Freshness and finesse mark a wine that the sommelier and collectors mostly underrate because production is significant. Still, it meets the grade for affordable, high quality Barolo. Meat and cheese are the traditional matches, but boeuf bourguignon, Nasi Goreng, and smoked meats would all work outside the box. An excellent gift for young collectors.
