The Fontanafredda Barolo 2013 is a moderately-priced, well-structured wine fit for a king. Fontanafredda in fact was actually founded by Italy’s first king in 1858, and has a fine lineage, of which the 2013 duly plays its part.
As Barolo's go, it is a perfectly approachable wine a great point of entry. The bouquet is full; the tannins can be only properly construed as positively silky.
While still young, the wine is already showing signs of developing a wonderfully complex, earthy personality. Barolo is located in the Northwestern area of Italy's Piedmont region, where rich and full-bodied is how the game is played. And although the Fontanafredda Barolo 2013 retails at $30, it is already making waves in wine circles for its famously rich ruby tones and notes of plum, nutmeg and cherry, tar and rose.
It is a versatile wine. The 2013 pairs perfectly with a range of different cuisines, especially holiday favorites like roast or lamb -- any red meat, for that matter -- or even pasta. But the more savory the meat, the better the pairing.
Mature cheeses -- like aged Pecorino Toscano -- also go particularly well with Fontanafredda Barolo 2013. And although I have not paired it yet with holiday chocolate, something tells me that this would probably be a fine combination.