On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, Fontanafredda has created a special label — the first of a collection that, over the next ten years, will celebrate the emotions that have given rise to moments of collective rebirth throughout history.
Fontanafredda, a historic winery in the Langhe, extends over approximately 122 hectares, of which 84 are planted with vineyards, and has always stood out as a pioneer of innovation. In 1886, it shipped the first Barolo overseas and, just one year later, the first concrete fermentation tanks in Europe were built in its cellars. In 1964, the Barolo Vigna La Rosa was created, the first Barolo to indicate the specific vineyard on the label. In 1988, the first municipality-designated Barolo was produced, with grapes from the commune of Serralunga d’Alba vinified separately.
A major turning point came in 2008, when Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo acquired Fontanafredda, bringing the winery back under Piedmontese ownership after 77 years. From that moment, the new objectives were clear: quality, sustainability and hospitality.
A NEW LOOK AND SHAPE FOR BAROLO SERRALUNGA
On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, Fontanafredda’s most representative wine changes and renews itself. The result is Barolo Serralunga d’Alba Renaissance 2018, also called the Barolo of Hope — a new look and format, and the first of a collection that will, over ten years, celebrate ten emotions that throughout history have inspired moments of collective rebirth.
The collector’s bottle comes in a distinctive 1-liter format, with an embossed logo on the front and a label whose illustrations will be created by a different artist each year. The project aims to stimulate critical thinking through the contribution of major Italian writers and illustrators, encouraging reflections on the emotions that can inspire a renewed sense of humanity.
The first emotion in the series has been entrusted to the award-winning contemporary writer Marco Missiroli, with the monograph titled 12, gli umani potrebbero chiamarla Speranza (“12, humans might call it Hope”), and to Elisa Talentino, a young internationally recognized Piedmontese illustrator and painter. Through the image of a Blue Cockatiel, she offers a visual interpretation of hope and freedom.
The official commercial release on Monday, March 21 was preceded by a press conference during which Andrea Farinetti and his father Oscar presented the project, with the participation of Matteo Ascheri, President of the Barolo Consortium.
THE TASTING
Barolo Serralunga d’Alba Renaissance 2018 shows a bright and intense garnet red color. On the first nose it is refined, with notes of violet, small red berries and wet earth. With a little time in the glass it broadens, revealing spices, elegant balsamic hints, licorice root, cardamom and pipe tobacco.
On the palate it is fresh and vibrant, with a firm yet already well-shaped tannin, well integrated with the wine’s full and juicy fruit. The body expands on the finish, leaving a refined balsamic echo.
