2013 Fontanafredda Vigna La Rosa Barolo DOCG

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A 97-point vintage Barolo from royal vineyards in Serralunga— built for serious cellars.

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  • From Barolo’s Largest Contiguous Cru Estate
  • 97 Point "Extraordinary" Vintage ~Vinous Media
  • Royal Estate Founded in 1878
  • "Offers Firm Structure and Elegance" ~ 93 Robert Parker
  • Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
About the Wine

Since 1878, Fontanafredda has stood as one of Barolo’s defining estates — a powerhouse rooted in the hills of Serralunga d’Alba and synonymous with precision, longevity, and unmistakable Langhe character.

Its story begins with royalty. In 1858, shortly after the unification of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II purchased the estate in the heart of Piedmont. What started as a private royal project soon evolved into a commercial legacy under his son, Count Mirafiori. By the 1878 vintage, Fontanafredda released its first Nebbiolo labeled as Barolo — and history was made.

Today, the estate spans over 300 acres, including the largest contiguous cru property in Barolo. From the elegant, aromatic Tortonian soils of the west to the powerful, structured Helvetian limestone of the east, Fontanafredda commands some of the region’s most coveted terroirs — allowing it to craft wines that range from perfumed finesse to age-worthy muscle.

Modern stewardship came under Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo Filangieri — founders of EATALY — who doubled down on quality and sustainability. Under winemaker Danilo Drocco and viticulturist Alberto Grasso, the estate implemented sweeping ecological reforms: zero-chemical farming, natural fertilization, and biodiversity programs that transformed the property into a living ecosystem.

Fontanafredda isn’t just historic. It’s alive. Royal roots. Legendary vineyards. Sustainable future. And Barolo built to last decades.

2013 was an outstanding vintage for this region. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97 point review, and said: "It is a vintage of austere, classically structured wines built for cellaring. At the top, 2013 is a thrilling Barolo vintage!"

Tasting Notes

100% Nebbiolo.

The nose hits with classic Barolo intensity—withered roses, crushed violets, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and warm spice, all laced with a whisper of vanilla.

On the palate, the tannins arrive polished and velvety… then tighten and surge with power. Dense, tightly woven structure wraps around a core of explosive fruit, delivering grip, depth, and serious aging potential.

Critical Reviews

The Vigna la Rosa is located behind the gardens beyond the central cluster of buildings that make up the stunningly beautiful Fontanafredda estate. The 2013 Barolo Vigna la Rosa offers firm structure and elegance, that stylistically speaking pegs the wine closer to the more robust Serralunga d'Alba identity. This wine is aged in a combination of barrique and large oak casks. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit and spice and there is a distant hint of roasted chestnut on the finish. It offers staying power and strength. ~ 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Interesting aromas of dried strawberry, lemon grass and stone follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a savory finish. This is really tannic and powerful. Needs four or five years to soften. ~ 93 James Suckling

Pale ruby colour with a tawny rim. Elegant perfume with floral hints, rose petal, wild berries, fine praline and mild spices. The palate is delicious, supple and rounded with layers of wild berry fruit, tobacco, pain d’épices and a bright freshness underneath. Long and lingering finish still with a slight tannic bite but fine layers and complexity.~ 93 Tasted by Andreas Larsson

Ripe cherry, leather, iron and tar flavors mark this dense, vibrant red. All the components are here, but this needs some time to come together. The fruit and tannins dovetail on the long finish. Best from 2022 through 2036. 1,667 cases made, 119 cases imported. ~ 92 Wine Spectator

Menthol, licorice and woodland berry aromas follow over to the luminous, elegant palate, along with white pepper and wild cherry. Bright acidity and firm, refined tannins lend both balance and finesse. Drink 2020–2033. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

~ 91 Falstaff

~ 91 Cellar Tracker

Food Pairing
Lamb

Lamb

Venison

Venison

Pasta

Pasta

Oven-cooked

Oven-cooked

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Fontanafredda

Piedmont, Italy

Founded in 1878 and born from royal ownership, Fontanafredda is one of Barolo’s most historic estates, rooted in the hills of Serralunga d’Alba. Once the property of Italy’s first king, the estate now spans over 300 acres, including the largest contiguous cru in Barolo. Under modern leadership and a zero-chemical farming philosophy, Fontanafredda blends noble heritage, elite terroir, and sustainable innovation to craft Barolos built to age for decades.

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