Here we’re on the way up and in a big way, too. It’s very different from the ’97, with a much broader, more sumptuous palate that is almost too satisfying for its own good. The quality of the tannins suffers a bit too. The fruit is fleshy and intact, and tastes of redcurrants and bilberries.\n \n Producer Information\n \n Fontanafredda is an historic estate in the commune of the same name in Piedmont of northwest Italy. It has long been regarded as one of the great producers of the region, and has a large range of wines including single-vineyard Barolos, Barbaresco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba and Moscato d'Asti. The estate was established in 1858 when the land was purchased by King Vittorio Emanuele II of Sardinia (later the first king of Italy) for Rosa Vercellana, a drum major's daughter with whom he had fallen in love. Rosa was made Countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda a year later. The wine business started in 1878 under her management and that of the king's son Emanuele Guerrieri, the Count of Mirafiore. The estate vineyards total 85 hectares (210 acres), and are located on a variety of soils in Serralunga d'Alba, Diano d'Alba, Barolo and Murisengo. They are mostly planted to Nebbiolo along with Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato. Fontanafredda's winery comprises 19th Century cellars with large oak casks and stainless steel vats dedicated to red wine production, and newer buildings with modern facilities for white and sparkling wines. The wine portfolio is particularly large and extensive but is headed by single-vineyard Barolo DOCG Riserva wines. Sourced from estate vineyards, these wines are matured for approximately three years in barriques and then another 12 months in bottle prior to release. The house produces wines under a range of other well-known Piedmont appellations as well as specialty Grappa.
