Origin:  The history of Fontanafredda is a noble one. It began in 1858 after the unification of Italy, when the country’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, purchased this beautiful estate in Piedmont’s Langhe region. Here he started producing wine from native varietals, Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, which later developed into a commercial business under the direction of the King’s son, Count Mirafiori. Fontanafredda released their first Nebbiolo labeled as Barolo with the 1878 vintage.

Tasting Notes:  Ruby red color with garnet reflexes. Its delicate, though intense nose, is expansive with overtones of withered roses, violets, tobacco, underbrush, spices and a slight touch of vanilla. Dense, closely-woven tannins show on the palate, which starts out smooth and velvety and then explodes with fruit, nicely balanced by a sharp freshness. The wine has a long aftertaste packed with flavor.

Score:  96 points, Wine Spectator