Join us on November 20th for a special Winemaker’s Dinner featuring a 2017 Wine Enthusiast Winery of the Year nomination, Fontanafredda Wines, and Brand Ambassador, Alberto Frea.
A renowned producer of Barolo, the “king of wines,” Fontanafredda has been noble since the start. The winery was founded in 1858 by Count Emanuele Alberto di Mirafiori on the hunting grounds of his father, King Vittorio Emanuele II. The first king of Italy, Emmanuele was known for his bravery — and for his fondness for wine.
Today, more than 150 years later, the estate continues to produce wines of the highest caliber, thanks to the respect of the land, passion for vinicultural tradition, and use of innovative technology. Located in the heart of Le Langhe, a hilly wine region in the northern region of Piemonte, Fontanafredda is spread over 250 acres of rugged terrain in the villages of Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo, and Diano d’Alba.
The diverse soils of Fontanafredda’s property tend to be chalky, which helps the grape retain its acidity. Within a few feet, the soil can vary from loose with high sand content to firm and rich in silt and clay. This diversity lends itself to the various characteristics of the vines planted on these hills (think: Le Langhe’s famous terroir).
Only grapes of certified origin that are grown on the Fontanafredda estates are used to produce the brand’s wines. All estate vineyards are farmed without the use of chemicals; the property is under conversion to be certified organic and a safe and sustainable refuge for a wide array of local flora and fauna.
After the grapes are harvested, the wine-making process continues in Fontanafredda’s cellars. Beneath high brick-vaulted ceilings, the oak casks and steel vats housed in the majestic nineteenth-century cellars accommodate the noble red wines for their ageing, while newer buildings are equipped with all the technology that is essential today to bring out the best in the characteristics of the white and sparkling wines. This skillful procedure prioritizes the safeguarding of values such as identity and origin and allows the two “souls” of Fontanafredda – still and sparkling wines – to coexist harmoniously.
Chef’s Selection of Canapes
Contessa Rosa Rose, Alta Langa DOCG
First Course
Beets
Red beet jelly, golden beet chips, goatís cheese foam & hazelnut dust
2016 Gavi del comune dei Gavi DOCG
Second Course
Seafood Cioppino
West coast clams & mussels, side strip prawns, sable fish, and salmon in classic Cioppino broth
2014 ‘Raimonda’ Barbera d’Alba DOC
Granny Smith Apple Ice
Main Course
Slow cooked fillet of beef with braised short rib and chanterelle mushroom ravioli, carrot shards, confit tomato & winter vegetables
2013 Barolo DOCG, Silver Label
2012 Barolo DOCG Serralunga dAlba
2010 Barolo DOCG Vigna la Rosa
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Pate
Espresso crumble, house made ice cream
2007 Barolo Reserva DOCG
About Alberto Frea, Brand Ambassador –
A Piedmont-native, Alberto grew up surrounded by vineyards in the hills of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that today attracts thousands of wine-lovers from all over the world.
Back in the day he strongly believed in the potential of the Langhe and, therefore, shaped his education to become a “wine teller” of his land. He majored in Foreign Languages and obtained Master Degrees in Tourist Management and Wine Exporting. As a certified A.I.S. Sommelier and tourist guide, he has over a decade of experience in wine tourism, education, and events (for agencies, individuals, and wineries).
In 2010 he began hosting tours and tastings for Fontanafredda and, in 2016, he officially joined the Export Department as Brand Ambassador for the winery. Today he is Export Area Manager in U.S.A., Canada, and northern Europe.
He is currently based in Alba, where you will likely find him with a glass of wine in his hand.
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