Barbera d’Alba DOC 2024, Fontanafredda

The Fontanafredda Barbera d’Alba DOC 2024 is a classic red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, known for its vibrant acidity, deep ruby colour, and approachable, velvety texture. This vintage is characterized by a fresh, fruit-forward profile that makes it versatile for a variety of dining occasions.

Tasting Notes

The wine is typically crafted to be enjoyed young, highlighting the primary fruit characteristics of the Barbera grape.

• Appearance: A deep ruby-red colour that may develop garnet reflections as it ages.
• Aroma: An intense and characteristic bouquet featuring notes of sour cherry, plum, and blackberries, often complemented by floral hints of violets and roses, as well as subtle spicy undertones like liquorice.
• Palate: Velvety mouthfeel with a medium finish. It is a dry wine with moderate fruit acidity (approximately 5.8 g/l) and low residual sugar (about 0.6 g/l), resulting in a balanced and fresh sensation.

Winemaking Details

The production process at Fontanafredda focuses on balancing tradition with modern techniques to maintain the grape’s natural freshness.

• Grapes: 100% Barbera sourced from the Langhe hills near Alba.
• Fermentation: Initial fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve fruit aromas, followed by immediate malolactic fermentation.
• Ageing: The wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and small wooden barrels to add complexity and soften the tannins.
• Alcohol Content: Typically around 13.5% ABV.

Serving and Food Pairings

For the best experience, this wine should be served at a temperature of 15–18°C.

• Main Courses: It pairs exceptionally well with rich Italian dishes such as tajarin with ragù, roasted meats, and beef or pork dishes.
• Lighter Fare: Its balanced acidity makes it a good match for risotto, soups, and charcuterie.
• Cheese: It complements medium-aged cheeses effectively.