Fontanafredda Vigna La Rosa Barolo DOCG 2016 Red Wine

Fontanafredda Vigna La Rosa Barolo DOCG 2016 

Piedmont, Italy

96 pts. Wine Spectator:

"On the savory side, this red opens with freshly mowed grass, hay and eucalyptus aromas before revealing cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors. Fleshy, with a matrix of dense tannins flexing their muscles on the finish. Shows excellent potential. Best from 2023 through 2042."

95 pts. Wine Enthusiast:

"Rose, red-berry, wild herb and baking-spice aromas take center stage on this fragrant, elegant red. Loaded with finesse, the full-bodied palate delivers strawberry compote, star anise and cinnamon alongside a mineral note evoking rusty nail. Taut polished tannins and bright acidity provide the age-worthy framework. Drink 2024–2046."

95 pts. James Suckling:

"A creamy and juicy red with cedar and meat to the plum and berry undertones. It’s medium-to full-bodied, fruity and flavorful. Hints of fudge and hazelnuts. Very drinkable now, but better after 2022."

FROM THE WINERY

Vigna La Rosa

Fontanafredda’s most historical and representative vineyard lies right at the heart of the Fontanafredda M.G.A. This wine is named after La Bella Rosina and it is no coincidence that this strip of land, rich in sand, limestone and blue marl typical of Serralunga, is reminiscent of the floral scents of the rose. A deep, long and warm Barolo.

Fermentation

The grapes harvested during the day are delivered to the cellar in small 20 kg perforated crates, destemmed and not crushed to avoid damaging the skin which is very delicate in the Nebbiolo variety. The fermentation then begins in thermo- conditioned steel tanks with indigenous yeasts at a temperature between 28 and 30 ° C. At the end of the fermentation, the practice of sticking is carried out, which ensures that the cap of skins remains completely submerged by the must / wine. This task lasts for about 15 days, in order to extract from the grape skin as many noble substances as possible, which will contribute to the richness of the finished product.

Wine aging

As soon as the coarser solids have settled on the bottom of the tank where the wine was drawn off, it is decanted into medium-sized oak barrels (30-50 hl) in which it rests and matures for about 24 months. Then, a further wine refinement of about 12 months takes place in the bottle, in order to prepare it in the best way before placing on the market.

Tasting notes

Brilliant garnet red colour, luminescent. The nose has hints of Mediterranean scrub, thyme, juniper and broom. The palate is harmonious, rich, with fruity hints and retronasal notes of “butun da preve”. A graceful wine.

Pairings

Ideal with red meat dishes and medium or mature cheeses, it can also make for pleasant after-dinner company.