Fontanafredda 2019 Barolo MGA Lazzarito DOCG, Italy Vigna La Delizia

Since 1858, the Fontanafredda Estate & Winery has been instrumenta to the growth and international awareness of Barolo, while championing sustainability and community engagement in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Under the lead of visionary entrepreneur, Oscar Farinetti, Fontanafredda has built a portfolio of wines that express the depth and diversity of the Langhe, produced from grapes that are farmed from organic and sustainably managed vineyards. Since the 2018 harvest, Fontanafredda is the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont.

Harvest takes place at the end of the second week of October. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. Aged for 30 months in oak barrels, followed by eight months in bottle before market release.

Winemaker notes

Spicy balsam-rich aromas. The nose has fresh mentholate notes that can be traced back to its terroir and which fade into spicy hints. The powerful Barolo shines when paired with hearty steaks and meat stews, grills and long-aged cheeses. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to the conversation at the end of the meal or for a special toast!

Falstaff scored this 97 points saying, “Elegant, bright ruby red. A great nose with inviting aromas of rose petal, raspberries, mint, a touch of incense and oregano. Compact and polished on the palate, with great elegance and delicacy, pronounced fruit and an underlying salty note. A big wine with many layers.”

Wine Spectator scored this 95 points saying, "A pretty red, this features rose, strawberry, cherry, licorice and underbrush aromas and flavors. No pushover, this is also stitched with dense tannins that flex themselves on the long finish. Will be impressive once this comes together."

Decanter also gave this 95 points saying, "Violet and geranium aromas, it opens to reveal wild strawberry and dried cherry. Full of restraint, there's a lot of minerality and complexity. Firm on the attack and slightly acidic, it's chewy with a good finish of cherry kernel and orange peel nuance, and sweet tannins. A wine for the long haul…"

Wine Enthusiast scored this 94 points and named it #53 Wine of the Year saying, "Wild raspberries, fresh wildflowers and herbs spill from the glass of this elegant Barolo. The palate offers crushed cherry notes accented by savory herbs, spice, sweet tobacco and anise finishing with elegant but youthful tannins that will soften with age. Drink 2028–2040."

James Suckling gave this 94 points saying, "Rich aromas of cherry chocolate, licorice, moist bark and moss. Medium to full-bodied with ripe and velvety tannins, that are nicely integrated into the wine. Even and polished with spiced red berry and citrus notes on the finish."