Fontanafredda Barolo 2018 (750ml)

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Wine Spectator Top 100 2022 - #78

Producer	Fontanafredda
Country	Italy
Region	Piedmont
Subregion	Barolo
Varietal	Nebbiolo
Vintage	2018
Sku	54007
Size	750ml

  

WE

91

Clean, full and intense nose, with typical traces of withered flowers, dry leaves and underbrush. Robust and well-bodied, with acidity and firm tannins that give a sense of freshness that prolongs the finish.

Ideal with rich red meats, varying according to the wine and vintage, and medium and mature cheeses. Also lovely as an after-dinner wine.

The 250-acre Fontanafredda property in Serralunga d’Alba, a cru site of Barolo, is the single largest contiguous wine estate in the Langhe and includes 247 acres of vineyards, 30 acres of woodland and 10 acres on which the cellars and village buildings lie. Owned vineyards are in the municipalities of Serralunga d’Alba, Diano d’Alba, Barolo, Dogliani, Farigliano, Alba, Rodello, and Murinsengo, at altitudes between 200 - 400m.

This wine a blend of grapes from all 11 communes in the Barolo zone, as traditionally all Barolo had been made. There are two main soil types that cover Barolo: Tortonian in the western region that is heavy in clay and magnesium deposits. Wines grown in this soil tends to be more fragrant, elegant and soft, but with notable richness. In eastern Barolo, the chalky, limestone and mineral rich Helvetian soil produces wines of deeper color, body and tannic structure, making for long-lived wines.

Fermentation is carried out for an average of 8-10 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature (86-88°F) with frequent pumping over of the must. Maceration for several days following to optimize phenolic extraction and help start malolactic fermentation.

Aged at least 2 years in large Slovanian and French oak casks, then bottled aged for an additional year.

Violet, rose and woodland berry aromas mingle with a whiff of leather on this medium-bodied red. It's polished, savory and already at the start of its drinking window, with juicy red cherry, strawberry and baking spice flavors accompanied by lithe tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2028. -K.O.