Fontanafredda Winery was based on the romantic story between King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy and Rosa Vercellana. The winery was established in 1858. Fontanafredda manages 297 acres of organic vineyards and are recognized for their five single-vineyard Barolo’s.

In Piedmont, Italy the designation of Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA) in DOCG wines refers to an official cru vineyard classification. The 14-acre La Delizia vineyard is categorized with the MGA designation and is one of the cru sites in Serralunga D’Alba. The vineyard has subsoils rich in clay and fossil matter. This 100% Nebbiolo is dry farmed and hand harvested.

The 2019 Fontanafredda Lazzarito Vigna La Delizia Barolo exhibits a deep, dark garnet hue with a captivating bouquet of freshly picked garden flowers of Freesia and dried rose petals. It unfolds with an opulent, textured sensory richness on the palate layered with Morello cherries, black raspberry puree, blood orange and a hint of star anise in the background. There is a silky vertical lift to this wine interwoven with balsamic notes, rustic spices and velvety tannins that linger for minutes into a memorable finish. This is a wine of obvious pedigree offering plenty of finesse and elegance at this early stage of evolution, yet it is certain to stand the test of time with aging.

By W Peter Hoyne