Langhe Fontanafredda 2005
The 2005 Langhe Fontanafredda is a red wine crafted entirely from Nebbiolo, originating from the prestigious Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is bordered by the Alps and is globally recognized for its profound focus on terroir. The wine specifically hails from the Langhe area around Alba, a prominent district characterized by dramatic, steep hills. During autumn, these hills are frequently enveloped in a thick morning fog that protects the vineyards and ensures a long, optimal ripening period for the grapes.
Nebbiolo is a premier Italian grape variety renowned for producing elegant wines with significant structure, high acidity, firm tannins, and notable complexity. It is deeply rooted in Piedmont, particularly in areas like Barolo and Barbaresco. For this Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine, the production process involves aging the wine for two to three months in wooden barrels before it is bottled. The finished wine has an alcohol content of 13.5% and a residual sugar level of 2.5 grams per liter.
Fontanafredda boasts a history that reads like a historical drama. The estate was founded in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king after the unification, as a gift for his mistress and eventual wife, Rosa Vercellana, known as 'Bella Rosin'. Their son, Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiore, further developed the estate and released its first Barolo label with the 1878 vintage. The winery's distinctive buildings, adorned with brown and ochre stripes, proudly display the Savoy colors as a visible reminder of its royal origins.
Today, Fontanafredda holds a unique status in the region. The entire estate constitutes its own MGA and monopole-cru, a rarity in an appellation where most crus are divided among numerous owners. With 120 hectares of vineyards set within a larger estate of over 300 hectares, it is Italy's largest contiguous winery. Since 2008, under the ownership of Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo, the house has entered a new era with a strong emphasis on sustainability, becoming the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
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