Noble Estates Wines & Spirits

Fontanafredda's vineyards, in the heart of the Langhe, Piedmont, lie on mostly evenly-contoured hillsides and rounded ridges at an altitude of between 200 and 400 metres. The texture of the mainly calcareous soils can differ within the space of just a few dozen metres; at times loose, with a sand content approaching even 50 at others firmer, with a higher proportion of silt, and above-all clay.

The climate is typically continental, with wide seasonal variations in the temperatures, while the rainfall, concentrated over the spring and autumn months, is highly variable, which is what produces such extraordinarily different vintages.

The history of Fontanafredda as a winery began in 1878, when Emmanuel Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiori, dedicated his entrepreneurial skills to wine with passion and far-sightedness. His approach proved to be thoroughly modern, and he developed many influential techniques for producing wines of quality, in particular Barolo.

Testimony to the estate's noble past remains intact today - the hunting lodge, the hamlet, the extensive cellars, the vineyards - but the winery continues to experiment and move with the times in perfecting what nature and history have handed down.

Barbera d'Alba

Grapes: Barbera.

LCBO # 38174 $12.25

Tasting- Deep ruby-red when young, tending to garnet on aging, it has an intense, characteristically flowery and fruity bouquet, with a full persistent taste which is nicely dry and velvety.

Serving- Good drinking two years after the vintage, its character and personality rounded off by further aging in the bottle. Can be aged for a further period of 6-8 years. This wine deserves to be served with big dishes. Excellent with rich, flavourful first courses, meats and cheeses.

Barolo DOCG

Grapes: Nebbiolo.

LCBO # 20214 $30.10

Tasting- Attractive ruby-red colour with garnet highlights which become orange with the passing of time. Its bouquet is clean, full and intense, with the wine's typical traces of withered flowers, dry leaves and underbrush. A warm, soft, lingering taste, which is full, velvety and well-balanced.

Serving- Ideal with rich red meats, medium and mature cheeses, also perfect after-dinner wine.

Eremo

Grapes: Barbera; Nebbiolo.

LCBO # 616284 $13.95

Tasting- Ruby red colour with garnet reflections. The bouquet is reminiscent of red currant, plum jam, liquorice, with nuances of chocolate and toasted coffee. On the palate the sweet and smooth tannins of Nebbiolo give volume, roundness and mingle with the acidity of Barbera, resulting in a fresh and crisp aftertaste.

Serving- Pleasant accompaniment throughout the meal. Perfect companion to flavourful hors-d'oeuvres, white and red meats, fresh and mild aged cheeses.