Named Wine
Enthusiast’s 2017 European Winery of the Year, Fontanafredda has been making
wine since the 19th century, and is one if the biggest and well
known producers in the heart of the Langhe.
The estate stretches over 160 ha covering the villages of Serralunga d’Alba,
Barolo and Diano d’Alba Fontanafredda, and since 2016 they have been converting
to organic farming.
It is no
secret that the winery has had its ups and downs in years past, but quality has
been steadily improving the past ten years, and today is owned by Luca Baffigo
Filangieri, Oscar Farinetti ( also owner of the Turin based Eataly luxury
supermarket chain and now President of Fontanafredda) and the Monte dei Paschi
de Siena Foundation.
“We are a huge winery but we are a family run
business.”, says Lucca Martini, brand ambassador for Fontanafredda. I met Lucca at a tasting event held by Vins Philippe Dandurand at the lovely St. James Club here in Montreal. The presentation was interesting and animated
to say the very least, but in the end, it was the wine that stole the show. Overall they showed lots of complexity, balance
and, especially with the younger vintages, lots of promise.
Like most
wineries in recent years, Fontanafredda is slowly working towards being
certified organic. “We do not advertise this. You will not see this on our
website. It is something we believe in
and we don’t want to be defined by that primarily.”– Luca Martini
Fontanafredda
is working with Vino Libero, an association of twelve different wineries and
one distillery where their goal is to produce wine that is free from chemical
fertilizers, herbicides and using at least 40% less sulphites below the legal
limit. Whether they want to advertise
this or not, it is a huge project to say the very least, because all 450
farmers in the area who work for the company will also have to adhere to
organic farming.
Not only a
wine destination, Fontanafredda is an amazing place for anyone who also enjoys fine
dining and luxury accommodation. They
have a 4 star hotel along with a guesthouse, top restaurant and wine bar, and
even a forest area titled, ‘The Wood of Thoughts’ reserved for a 12 stage journey
of meditation.
Fontanafredda
can be found in most wine shops, and there any number of them here in Quebec at
the SAQ at all different price points.
The following 3 wines is what I would highly recommend to introduce
oneself to the Fontanafredda portfolio, all of which are affordable, enjoyable
and most importantly, delightful to drink.
A special thank you to agency Vins Philippe Dandurands and Luca Martini of Fontanafredda for this lovely tasting.
Photos: saq.com
Fontanafredda
Gavi 2016
SAQ: 11213108
$19.95
Made with 100%
of the Cortese grapre, this attractive white has notes of candied lemon- lime, ripe
pear and bits of crushed almonds. The
palate is plump and balanced by a bright acidity keeping the wine concentrated
and refreshing. The finish is full and elegant with a saline aftertaste. Great quality wine at a great price. Drink
now or in the next 2 years.
SAQ: 11905606 $15.55
This wine is everything I love about Barbera; lush notes of
blackberries, bits of sour cherries, and plums interwoven with notes of violet
and dried leaves. It has an acidity that
is super refreshing and tannins that are subtle yet grippy, adding complexity
and texture. The finish is refreshing
and with red fruit flavors that carry on through the palate. Drink now in the
next 2-3 years.
SAQ: 00020214 $28.55
With a very good backbone of acidity, this wine gives notes
of concentrated cherries and strawberries with nuances of leather and
underbrush. The tannins are firm and gum
drying, but will develop nicely given some time. An intense wine that is full of freshness and
finesse. Lingering aftertaste. Highly recommend this Barolo given the price. Drink now or in the next 7-8 years.
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