Barolo Fontanafredda

The Fontanafredda estate was established in 1858 and is the largest in the Barolo appellation with over 210 acres of vineyard. They were the first estate to offer a commune-designate Serralunga Barolo on the market and the wine reflects the pure fruit, firm structure and vivid character of its origins. The 2019 Serralunga d’Alba Barolo is an elegant, appealing and complex red. While it shows the elegance of the 2019 harvest and the sleek spiciness of French oak, the greatness of the Nebbiolo grape takes center stage. Layers of cherry, raspberry and plum fruits are underlain by tea leaf and dried rose hints plus elements of leather, sandalwood, smoke and spice. The elegant, long finish reveals the inherent delicacy and complexity of the wine. It can cellar well for another decade and more but shows a lovely style even now.

Black cherries, sour plum, violets, roses and star anise aromas all swirl in the glass. Stout, but not too broad shouldered, this wine balances the power and elegance that make us all love Barolo. Macerated mixed berries, sweet and savory spice all coalesce around the truffle, crushed stone and underbrush notes. Drink 2025–2040.