Langhe Fontanafredda 1976
This 1976 red wine is a Dolcetto from the Langhe area in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. Produced by Cantine Fontanafredda, it was released under the Vino da Tavola delle Langhe classification. Dolcetto is a classic Northern Italian grape variety deeply rooted in the viticultural traditions of Piedmont, where it is frequently cultivated alongside other local varieties.
Piedmont, which literally translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is bordered by the Alps and stands as one of the world's most prestigious wine regions. The landscape is defined by dramatic, steep hills that are often enveloped in thick autumn fog, a characteristic that protects the vineyards and ensures a steady ripening period for the grapes. Within this region lies Langhe, a prominent area centered around Alba that serves as an umbrella for many of Piedmont's renowned wines. The terroir-driven approach of the region highlights the profound influence of soil and microclimate on the vineyards.
Fontanafredda boasts an origin story akin to a historical drama. The estate was founded in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king after the unification, as a gift for his mistress and eventual wife, Rosa Vercellana, known as 'Bella Rosin'. Their son, Emanuele Alberto, Count of Mirafiore, further developed the winery and released the estate's first Barolo label with the 1878 vintage. The winery's distinctive buildings, adorned with brown and ochre stripes, proudly display the Savoy colors as a visible reminder of its royal heritage.
The estate holds a unique status, as the entire Fontanafredda property constitutes its own MGA and monopole-cru. With 120 hectares of vineyards set within a total property of over 300 hectares, it is the largest contiguous wine estate in Italy, where this wine was both vinified and bottled. After being sold to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank in 1931, the estate entered a new era in 2008 under the ownership of Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo. This modern leadership has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, making Fontanafredda the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont starting with the 2018 vintage.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded as this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
You are in safe hands
100% authentic bottles
All bottles undergo a thorough authenticity test by our certified sommeliers before being offered for sale. We reject bottles we are unsure about.
Thorough quality check
Cork, capsule, fill level, label condition, and provenance are individually documented for each bottle. A physical certificate is included with every purchase.
60-day return policy
We are confident in the quality of our wines, and you as a buyer should be too. Return any unopened bottle within 60 days for a full refund — no questions asked.
4.7 on Trustpilot
277 customers have shared their experience. From the first email to the bottle arriving safely – we take pride in making a difference from start to finish.
How it handles
you your wine
Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.
Our customers say it best!
Based on 247 reviews