Barolo Fontanafredda 1970
This 1970 Barolo from Fontanafredda originates from one of Piedmont's most prestigious wine areas, located in the dramatic, steep hills of the Langhe southwest of Alba. The region is deeply tied to Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape known for yielding elegant wines with great structure, predominantly cultivated in Barolo, Barbaresco, and the wider Piedmont region. The 1970 vintage achieved a score of 85 points and is described as mature and classic. The local terroir plays a crucial role in shaping the harvest, as the hills are often enveloped in thick autumn morning fog, protecting the grapes and ensuring a long, perfect ripening period before the wine is classified under the Denominazione d'Origine Controllata.
Fontanafredda boasts an origin story resembling a historical drama. The estate was founded in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king after unification, as a gift to his mistress and later wife, Rosa Vercellana, affectionately known as 'Bella Rosin'. Their son, Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiore, officially established the winery and released the first Barolo label from the property with the 1878 vintage. The estate's characteristic buildings, adorned with brown and ochre stripes, proudly display the Savoy colors as a visible reminder of its royal heritage, while the beautiful Villa Reale, formerly the king's hunting lodge, remains at the center of the property's large park.
The estate holds a unique status within the Barolo appellation, as the entire Fontanafredda property constitutes its own MGA and monopole cru—an exceptional rarity in an area where most crus are divided among numerous owners. The 120 hectares of vineyards are part of a larger estate exceeding 300 hectares, making it Italy's largest contiguous winery. This specific wine was bottled by the producer at the origin in their cellars in Serralunga d'Alba, where immense facilities house hundreds of Slavonian oak barrels used in the traditional production process. At the time of this vintage, the estate was owned by the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank, which acquired it in 1931, long before its modern transition into Piedmont's largest certified organic winery under the ownership of Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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