Barbera d'Alba "Raimonda" 2016 Fontanafredda
The Barbera d'Alba "Raimonda" 2016 by Fontanafredda exemplifies Piedmont's winemaking excellence, crafted in the Langa albese region. The vineyards, facing south and southwest at altitudes between 200 and 300 meters, thrive on clayey and calcareous marl soils, imparting distinct character to the wine.
Harvested in late September to early October, the grapes undergo a traditional winemaking process: destemming, gentle crushing, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks with 7-8 days of skin contact at 28-30 °C. Malolactic fermentation is completed by November, followed by maturation in oak. The wine is aged for about a year in large French and Slavonian oak casks, as well as in 225- and 300-liter French barriques. The final blend and bottle aging refine its complexity and balance.
In the glass, it reveals a deep ruby red hue, shifting to garnet with age. On the nose, it offers a rich and complex bouquet: floral and fruity notes blend harmoniously with hints of wood, spices, and vanilla. On the palate, it is broad, persistent, and pleasantly dry, with a velvety structure that is enjoyable after just a year but continues to evolve beautifully over time.
This wine pairs excellently with hearty dishes, from flavorful first courses to red meats and aged cheeses. The Barbera d'Alba "Raimonda" 2016 is a must-try for lovers of full-bodied, well-structured wines with an authentic and enveloping personality.