At a glance

Producer

Fontanafredda

Region

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Aromas of rose petals, tar, cherry, and dried herbs with a firm tannic backbone.

Evolution: Develops complexity with tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and earth as tannins soften over 8-10 years.

At peak: Silky tannins, integrated acidity, intense floral and red fruit notes with complex savory nuances.

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm and gripping, characteristic of Barolo’s Nebbiolo grape

Alcohol

13.5% - 14.0%

Aging potential

20 to 30+ years under proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2038

Optimal window

2028 to 2040

Current status

Early maturity, developing complexity

Current condition

Tannins are firm and structured; fruit is vibrant but will benefit from aging.

The well-structured Nebbiolo and strong acidity allow extended aging. The 2021 vintage’s good climatic conditions support balanced tannins and vibrant fruit, leading to a long window of optimal drinking and peak complexity between 10 and 18 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with truffle dishes, roasted game, braised meats, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and hearty stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins, aerate the wine and reveal complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Fontanafredda emphasizes sustainable viticulture with reduced chemical inputs, energy-efficient winery equipment, water conservation programs, and use of lighter weight bottles for reduced packaging impact.

Fontanafredda adopts several sustainable farming and production practices though they are not fully organic or biodynamic. Their sustainability score reflects solid environmental consciousness balanced with commercial scale production. Their operations include energy efficient systems and water saving measures. Bottling uses eco-friendly packaging reducing transport weights. Local Nebbiolo sourcing minimizes transport emissions prior to distribution.