Fontanafredda

Fontanafredda is an historic estate in the commune of the same name in Piedmont, in northwest Italy. It has long been regarded as one of the great producers of the region, and has a large range of wines including single-vineyard Barolos, Barbaresco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba and Moscato d'Asti.

The estate was established in 1858 when the land was purchased by King Vittorio Emanuele II of Sardinia (later the first king of Italy) for Rosa Vercellana, a drum major's daughter with whom he had fallen in love. Rosa was made Countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda a year later. The wine business started in 1878 under her management and that of the king's son Emanuele Guerrieri, the Count of Mirafiore.

The estate vineyards total 85 hectares (210 acres), and are located on a variety of soils in Serralunga d'Alba, Diano d'Alba, Barolo and Murisengo. They are mostly planted to Nebbiolo along with Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato. Fontanafredda's winery comprises 19th Century cellars with large oak casks and stainless steel vats dedicated to red wine production, and newer buildings with modern facilities for white and sparkling wines.

Fontanafredda's range is headed by three single-vineyard Cru Barolos: La Rosa, La Villa, and La Lazzarito. On top of this, the house makes wines under a range of other well-known Piedmont appellations, as well as a blend of Riesling and Nascetta. Other ranges include the core "Stripes" and "Tradition" series and the Briccotondo brand, and there are also three Grappas and a couple of Barolo Chinato wines.