Grape Variety: 100% Barbera

Growing Region: Village of Serralunga d'Alba, Italy

Consultant Winemaker: Danilo Drocco

TASTING NOTE:
In 2007 during the harvest period in Piedmont, I had the pleasure of visiting Fontanafredda and seeing with my own eyes the dramatic terrain, and the carefully tended vineyards of Fontanafredda. I have said it before, grapes must love growing in Italy, simply outstanding scenery, you can see why painters like Da Vinci were so inspired, and you can see this in the wine made by Danilo and his team.

The fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature with frequent pumping over of the must to optimize the extraction of tannins and colour. The ageing begins in barrels made of French oak in which the malolactic fermentation takes place before the end of the winter. The wine stays in wood for around one year, and is then bottled in January before further ageing in the cellars for approximately twelve months.

In the glass you have a dark ruby-red, with purple highlights on the edge. The nose is overflowing with ripe fruit - especially plums and cherries - with hints of spices reminiscent of cinnamon and cloves, merging into a fine balance with toasted overtones of freshly ground coffee. The palate has a warm full body, with the fruit blending with the subtle tannins and acidity, while its long finish is due above-all to the great savouriness featured in a marked aftertaste of blackberry jam.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this winter; and over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with big red meat dishes and with medium to mature cheeses, enjoy.

Recommendation: Decanter for 20 minutes.