Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fontanafredda – Langhe Bianco “Viadelsale” 2021
Langhe, Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹 | Vegan-Friendly

Overview
From the historic Fontanafredda estate in the Langhe, “Viadelsale” is a vegan-friendly white crafted to be approachable, versatile, and food-friendly. A Langhe Bianco blend, it reflects Piedmont’s growing reputation not just for reds but also refreshing whites. (Educational note: “Bianco” wines in Langhe can be blends of native and international varieties, offering flexibility for easy-drinking styles.)

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh pear, green apple, and citrus zest lead, with hints of melon, white peach, and floral undertones. Light herbal notes add a savory edge.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied, crisp, and refreshing. Clean acidity with a smooth, rounded texture makes it very approachable, with a bright, fruit-driven finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with a wide range of Italian cuisine — from antipasti and fresh salads to pasta with pesto, risotto, or seafood. Also pairs well with vegetarian dishes and mild cheeses.

Verdict
A casual, charming Langhe white. The 2021 Viadelsale is approachable, balanced, and easy to enjoy — a crowd-pleaser ideal for any Italian food feast. 🍷

Did You Know?
Fontanafredda is one of Piedmont’s most historic estates, founded in 1858 by the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Today, it produces a wide range of wines, from Barolo to accessible everyday blends. — 9 months ago

Frank B

9.0

Jammy but balanced. Liked it more than I expected to. — 5 years ago

Alyssa Berger

9.6

A wine I can never forget. Rosés are so-so for me and I really don't like sparkling as a rule, but this one defies expectation. The flavor of ripe strawberry but a smooth bubbly that gives a creamy rich texture. Strawberry and cream all the way and such a pleasure to drink. — 6 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.1

My favorite of the night. So pure, clean, fresh. I haven’t had much rosé from Italy. This gets me excited to try more. — 8 years ago

Ben Rossen

8.9

70% carricante and 30% catarrotto. High acid, straw yellow, floral nose, honeysuckle and bright citrus palate, flinty minerality, a touch of oiliness and salinity. Very nice food wine (though I prefer the 100% carricante Etna whites) — 8 years ago

David J. Phillips

9.6

Floral, funky and weird. The only Arneis that has surprised. How did I miss this one? From Dressner of course. — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Tried a couple of years ago at a tasting, thought it needed time so I put a few bottles in my cellar, waiting paid off! A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Dark red color, with aromas of black fruit and sweet herbs. On the palate blackberry, ripe plums and dried cherry flavors with smoke, tobacco and oak notes. Fine soft tannins with lingering finish, about medium, ending with earthy tones. This is about at its peak and should be consumed over the next year or so. Nice value! — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fontanafredda Solerose Langhe Rosato 2021
Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Nebbiolo from Fontanafredda, a historic estate founded in 1858 by the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Known primarily for Barolo, the winery shows Nebbiolo’s versatility here in a refreshing rosato style.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate aromas of wild strawberries, fresh raspberries, and rose petals, accented by citrus zest and a whisper of spice. On the palate, juicy red berries meet hints of blood orange and a subtle floral lift, all tied together with Nebbiolo’s hallmark structure.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied for a rosé, with lively acidity and a savory edge that makes it more complex than a simple summer sipper. Dry, crisp, and precise with a lingering mineral-driven finish.

Winemaking Notes
Made entirely from Nebbiolo, pressed gently and vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness while showcasing varietal purity. “Solerose” reflects the bright, sunlit character of this bottling.

Food Pairing
Perfect with charcuterie, grilled salmon, tomato bruschetta, or light pasta with herbs. Its balance of fruit and structure makes it versatile for both appetizers and main courses.

Verdict
A serious rosé with pedigree — Fontanafredda turns its Barolo grape into a fresh yet structured pink wine. Elegant, vibrant, and proof that Nebbiolo shines beyond reds.
Cheers! — 10 months ago

James Elliott

9.4

Wish I had the strength to hold… — 5 years ago

with Sarah

Josh Morgenthau

9.4

Sick. Moscato from 2000 aged 4ever, forgotten about really. Maybe under Flor I think? Earth. Vinegar. Flowers. Madeira. Petrol, orange. Dry as hell for moscato. More than just a little mid bending. — 7 years ago

J Levenson

9.0

Revaluate $20. I tend to buy every vintage as you can’t beat the flexibility this wine. — 8 years ago

Pablo

9.2

This was terrific. Dark ruby red color. Very structured with softening tannins. Strawberries and leather on the nose. Cherries and smoke on the palate. I struggled with what to pair it with, initially trying it with pasta, which the wine overpowered. It really finally clicked with hamburgers. — 8 years ago

Aske Munck

9.0

I didn't stop to read, so no clue what the goat is all about, but sip sip and away, pure red bliss! — 9 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.1

Crushed rocks, curry leaves and mint give way to dried strawberries as the 2021 Brut Rosé Metodo Classico slowly blossoms in the glass. Silky and enveloping, it quickly gains contrast through a saturation of salty minerals as nectarine notes swirl throughout. The 2021 leaves a salty flourish to linger, finishing with medium length and a green apple crunch. I love the complexity within this truly engaging Nerello Mascalese sparkler. (Eric Guido, Vinous, December 2023)
— 3 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.2

Not extreme,but definitely an orange wine
70% trebbiano 30% fiano
It's a dangerous drop, one you can't stop pouring
Make sure you have a back up plan cause it honestly evaporates quickly
Little oxidative notes, fruit, nuts(noisette especially which i find often in this style of trebbiano),spices, hay, a toch of honey and if you resist swirling i am sure there's more, but i didn't
Fairly long
To buy again for summer nights — 4 years ago

Young Bock Lee

10

Consistent quality, I always get the wine that I expected from this label. Easy, bright, fruity, yummy, delicious wine. This is type of the wine that I want to introduce people. Easy, approachable price too. — 6 years ago

Pablo

9.1

I love this one. Tart red fruit. Strawberries and cherries. An old favorite. Never disappoints. — 7 years ago

Pablo Garcia

9.1

Creamy. A bit complex. Pretty big wine. I am having a glass left over from last week and it is still good — 8 years ago

Tom Riley

8.9

2015. Doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is. Bright red fruit combined with expected minerality. Too easy to drink and a great match tonight with grilled bone-in pork chops. Wish I had bought a case. Thanks to David Lynch and Ian Cauble for a great pick. At $18 more than satisfying QPR. Magnums next time. — 9 years ago

with Mary

Charlie Evans

9.2

Really cool bubbles from Sicily. I dig. — 9 years ago