Fontanafredda Barolo 1983 - Piedmont

About the Winery: Fontanafredda

Founded in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II for his beloved, Fontanafredda is an absolute historical gem and one of Piedmont's most majestic estates. Located in the heart of the Langhe in Serralunga d'Alba, this prestigious estate has established itself as a global ambassador of Italian excellence. Combining centuries-old traditions and rigorous respect for the parcels, the winery excels in the pure and classic interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape, giving rise to wines of great distinction and aristocratic balance.

About the Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Nicknamed "The King of Wines, the Wine of Kings," Barolo is one of the absolute peaks of world viticulture. Produced exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape on a terroir of ancient geological clay-limestone marl, it requires patience and expertise. The appellation is characterized by wines with a powerful structure, endowed with a high tannic charge and strong natural acidity, essential attributes that allow them to evolve beautifully over several decades towards unparalleled aromatic complexity.

About the Vintage: The Year 1983 in Piedmont

The 1983 vintage in the Langhe is considered a classic and very high-quality year for aging wines. After a warm summer, the cool and bright late season of September and October allowed for a slow and complete ripening of the Nebbiolo skins. Barolos from 1983 are distinguished by superb straightforwardness, a beautifully pure aromatic profile, and solid structures that have softened wonderfully with age.

Description of the Bottle's Condition

This rare bottle is in excellent overall condition for its vintage:
- Wine level: Perfect, no missing liquid, which is exceptional for a bottle over 40 years old.
- Label: Very good visual condition, showing only some slight normal signs of age and cellar handling.
- Capsule: Perfectly original, sound, airtight, and well-sealed.

Food & Wine Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serving suggestions: Ideally serve between 16°C and 17°C in large, wide-bowled glasses to allow the wine to oxygenate. Decanting one hour before serving is beneficial.
Gastronomic pairings: This great, evolved Barolo will perfectly accompany local fresh pasta (Tajarin) with truffles, a slow-cooked braised beef stew, roasted duck with sweet spices, or aged Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or old Pecorino.

Personal Note and Characteristics of the Cuvée

"This 1983 Fontanafredda Barolo is a superb opportunity to discover a great Nebbiolo that has reached its full tertiary maturity. Its robe offers a beautiful garnet hue with typical brick-red reflections. The nose is an enchantment of complexity, blending notes of dried rose, potpourri, sweet spices, black tea leaves, tobacco, and noble tar. On the palate, the attack is delicate, the tannins are completely melted and silky, guided by a beautiful preserved freshness that stretches the finish with balsamic and undergrowth notes. A very beautiful tasting bottle."