The king of Piedmont, Barolo. Well, at Fontanafredda, they know exactly what to do with it. What a magnificent Barolo, called Serralunga d'Alba. All the Nebbiolo grapes for this one are hand-picked and then aged in oak barrels, creating a unique wine with rich terroir.
The power of Serralunga d'Alba
The Serralunga d'Alba municipality is known for its power. Wines from here have excellent structure and refinement. Serralunga is considered a "supporting" municipality, as grapes from these vineyards tend to be more robust and resistant to adverse weather conditions. When Barolo was primarily a blended wine from the entire appellation, grapes from Serralunga were sought to add structure. The soils consist of high levels of limestone and gray marl, interspersed with sand.
The 250-hectare Fontanafredda estate in Serralunga d'Alba, a Barolo cru site, is the largest contiguous wine estate in the Langhe region, encompassing 247 hectares of vineyards, 30 hectares of woodland, and 10 hectares of cellars and village buildings. The estate's vineyards are located in the municipalities of Serralunga d'Alba, Diano d'Alba, Barolo, Dogliani, Farigliano, Alba, Rodello, and Murinsengo, at altitudes between 200 and 400 meters. Fifty local winegrowers also supply grapes, which are then processed into the estate's commercial wines.
Traditional vinification for Serralunga d'Alba Barolo
Winemaking follows traditional vinification. After harvest, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 17 to 19 degrees Celsius for 15 days. To ensure the wine develops a beautiful, deep color, the juice is left on the skins for another 15 days. This wine is aged for one year in Allier barriques and two years in oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging for approximately twelve months.
Serralunga Barolo is characterized by great structure and power. Dry and tannic, yet with a velvety texture and superb balance. The aroma is beautifully powerful, with notes of herbs, roses, and undergrowth, earthy notes, truffles, and laurel. A whole bouquet you can sniff for hours! The palate is dry, yet velvety and soft, very powerful and balanced, with wonderful length and beautiful tannins. Simply a top-class Barolo, this one from the Fontanafredda winery.
2019
