Piemonte and Fontanafredda: a Perfect Marriage

In my previous article, I introduced you to the wines of Puglia.

Today, let’s delve into the Piedmont region and highlight one exceptional producer: Fontanafredda.

Did you know that xtraWine offers multiple shipments? You can do it in 8 simple steps! Multiple shipments are available year-round, not just during the holidays!

Index:

• Discover the World of Piedmont Wines
• Fontanafredda: How It All Began
• Multiple gifts? Make them on xtraWine

Discover the World of Piedmont Wines

Piedmont has a rich winemaking tradition dating back to the 6th century BC, attributed to the Celtic-Ligurian populations.

Under Roman rule, vine cultivation expanded along the region’s key trade routes.

Climate and Terroir

Piedmont’s continental climate is characterized by long, cold winters and hot, dry summers, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Each sub-region boasts unique terroir characteristics.

The famed Nebbiolo grape thrives in both northern and southern Piedmont, particularly in areas like Biella, Vercelli, and Novara, where acidic, mineral-rich soils and strong temperature variations contribute to its quality.

The soils of the Langhe are compact, marly, and with presence of gypsum and clay.

The soils of Monferrato are rich in marine sediments. Instead, the soils of Canavese are of morainic origin, originated from the disintegration of glaciers. These soils are poor but rich in minerals.

Varieties and Wines

Piedmontese wines are predominantly red and often single-varietal. Reds and rosés account for over 60% of total production, with Moscato Bianco serving as the base for internationally acclaimed Asti and Moscato d’Asti wines.

The Barbera grape, representing approximately 30% of Piedmont’s vineyards, yields wines ranging from traditional sparkling to structured and ambitious varieties, known for their excellent aging potential.

Despite occupying only 10% of Piedmont’s vineyards, Nebbiolo remains one of the world’s most revered black grape varieties, producing wines of unparalleled quality and complexity.

The Langhe region cultivates three sub-varieties:

1. Lampia
2. Michet
3. raro Rosé

Other notable Piedmontese varieties include Grignolino, cultivated in the hills between Asti and Casale Monferrato, and Cortese, primarily grown in Casalese, Colli Tortonesi, and Gavi, known for its aromatic profile and high productivity.

For white grape varieties, we find Cortese. Cortese is cultivated in Casalese, Colli Tortonesi, and Gavi – in Lombardy, it is mainly grown in Oltrepò Pavese. This grape variety prefers well-exposed, dry, and moderately fertile soils. It matures in late September and has a relatively high productivity, especially when planted in rich soils.

Another cultivated grape variety is Erbaluce. It is grown in the Canevese area, in the provinces of Biella, Vercelli, and Novara, where it is known as Greco Novarese. Wines made from Erbaluce exhibit aromas of linden and acacia, aromatic herbs, and yellow plums.

Lastly, another important variety is Arneis. Today, it is cultivated in the Langhe region. It is harvested around the third decade of September. Wines produced from Arneis grapes feature intense floral notes, white pulp fruit, and vegetal nuances.

Fontanafredda: How It All Began

After providing you with some insights into Piedmont, let’s talk about Fontanafredda. Like all beautiful things, Fontanafredda stems from a love story between the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Rosa Vercellana.

In 1858, Vittorio Emanuele II, as a token of love, gifted Rosa the land where the winery stands today. Fontanafredda has always been a community united by respect for the land.

Today, it cultivates over 120 hectares of certified organic vineyards. Additionally, the vineyards serve as the backdrop to Italy’s first Narrating Village, symbolizing a new perspective: the Green Renaissance.

Fontanafredda’s Barolo

The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings, Barolo, is made from pure Nebbiolo grapes. Barolo’s origins trace back to the mid-19th century, thanks to Carlo Alberto di Savoia and Marchesa di Barolo Giulia Colbert Falletti.

Barolo is a unique wine! It is produced only in the heart of the Langhe, on the hills of 11 municipalities, including Serralunga d’Alba.

For over 160 years, Fontanafredda has been producing acclaimed Barolos.

Moreover, Fontanafredda has been a pioneer of significant innovations:

• in 1886, it shipped the first Barolo overseas
• in 1964, the Barolo Vigna La Rosa was born, the first Barolo with the vineyard indicated on the label
• in 1988, it produced the first Barolo with a municipal mention, vinifying the grapes of the Serralunga d’Alba municipality separately

Fontanafredda is one of the largest private producers of Barolo, representing approximately 6% of the entire denomination. Through its Barolo, Fontanafredda tells the nuances of a territory, its climate, and the people who, in each MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva), have the ability to highlight its qualities and uniqueness.

Multiple gifts? Make them on xtraWine

Multiple shipments mean that with a single purchase, you can send items to multiple recipients.

In short:

• Enter shipping addresses
• Make your purchase online
• Decide who and what to send
• Complete the payment

Everything else is done by xtraWine!

A multiple shipment gives you the possibility to send wine to many people in a single purchase.

The only limitation is that all shipments must be addressed to the same country. If you need to ship to several states, group the recipients for each state, then create multiple shipments one for each state.

How can I make a multiple shipment?

First go to xtraWine and log in with your credentials.

1. Click on Multiple Shipments
2. Fill out the form for each recipient, then click on “Add”. Fill in the “Gift Message” field if you want to add another personal touch
3. Add the items you want to give as gifts to your cart, as you always have
4. Click on your cart, click on “Proceed to order”
5. In the “Delivery data” section click on “Edit”, then click on “Send to more than one address?”. The recipients must all have the same nationality. Groups recipients by nationality.
6. Decide which and how many items to gift to each recipient in the “What will you send to whom?” box. (last part of the order)
7. Click on “Save what will you send to whom?”
8. Finally click on “Buy Now”

Congratulations you have completed your order!

The shipment is now managed by xtraWine, which monitors each shipment and guarantees safe and fast deliveries.