Since 1858, the Fontanafredda estate and winery have played a key role in the growth and international recognition of Barolo. The winery also champions sustainability and social responsibility in the Langhe region of Piedmont. The vineyards are located in the region's finest villages—Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo, and Diano d'Alba—in the heart of the rolling hills of the Langhe. The vineyards are situated at altitudes between 200 and 400 meters, and the soil is rich in a unique clay content. The winery owns a total of 70 hectares planted with Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato grapes. In addition, some fifty local winegrowers supply Fontanafredda with their finest grapes, which are then processed into the winery's commercial wines.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with frequent pumping-over of the must to optimize the extraction of color and tannins at a controlled temperature (25-26 degrees Celsius). At the end of malolactic fermentation (late November), the wine remains in barriques for four months, followed by a short period in stainless steel tanks before bottling. The wine is released after a short period of bottle aging.
This Diano wine is a deep ruby red with violet highlights in the glass. Its fine, fruity bouquet has a very persistent, distinct undertone of blackberry and raspberry, interwoven with hints of plum and black cherry. The palate is pleasantly dry, and the strong, almond-like finish brings out its fullness and velvety smoothness with light tannins, creating a very pleasant, fine balance.
