Fontanafredda Lazzarito Barolo

Fontanafredda Lazzarito Barolo is a single-vineyard Barolo DOCG crafted from 100% Nebbiolo at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Rated 97 points by Falstaff and 95 points by both Wine Spectator and Decanter, this expression from the Lazzarito MGA in Serralunga d'Alba stands among Piedmont's most critically acclaimed bottlings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy  |  Barolo DOCG  |  Producer: Fontanafredda

Production & Heritage

Fontanafredda holds a singular place in Barolo history as the first producer to release a single vineyard-designated Barolo, beginning in 1964 — a practice that predated the formal MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) classification by decades. The Lazzarito bottling draws its fruit specifically from the "La Delizia" plot within the Lazzarito vineyard, cultivated under certified organic and vegan agriculture principles at what is now the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before aging for 30 months in oak barrels, followed by eight months of bottle maturation prior to release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rose petal and fresh wildflowers lead into wild raspberry, followed by layers of mint, incense, and dried herbs. There is a subtle undercurrent of moist bark and oregano that deepens with time in the glass.

Taste: The palate opens with crushed cherry and wild strawberry, moving into a mid-palate framed by savory herbs, sweet tobacco, anise, and a touch of cherry chocolate. Tannins are ripe and velvety yet densely structured, supported by an underlying salty minerality that speaks to the Serralunga terroir.

Finish: Long and persistent, with cherry kernel, orange peel nuance, and licorice trailing across firm but sweet tannins. The finish retains a polished elegance that invites another sip while signaling considerable aging potential.

How to Drink Lazzarito Barolo

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) and decant for at least an hour to allow the dense tannin structure to soften and the aromatic complexity to fully unfold. This is a wine built for the table — pair it with braised short ribs where the wine's savory herbs complement the meat's richness, with truffle risotto where Nebbiolo's earthy character finds a natural partner, or alongside aged Parmigiano-Reggiano where the wine's acidity and tannin cut through the cheese's intensity.

Best For

• Cellaring for collectors seeking structured Barolo with proven aging potential
• Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast a critically acclaimed single-vineyard expression
• Anchoring a formal dinner with a classic Piedmontese centerpiece
• Exploring the Lazzarito MGA alongside other producers from the same vineyard site

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lazzarito Barolo taste like? Lazzarito Barolo delivers crushed cherry, wild raspberry, and sweet tobacco layered with savory herbs, anise, and a distinctive salty minerality. Dense but polished tannins frame a long finish of cherry kernel, licorice, and orange peel.

How does Lazzarito Barolo compare to Vietti Barolo Lazzarito? Both wines source Nebbiolo from the same Lazzarito MGA in Serralunga d'Alba, making them direct expressions of the same terroir. Fontanafredda's version, drawn from the certified organic "La Delizia" plot, tends toward elegant floral aromatics and polished tannins, while Vietti's interpretation is often cited for more concentrated extraction and power.

Is Lazzarito Barolo good for cellaring? Yes — the dense tannin structure, firm acidity, and concentrated fruit profile are classic markers of a Barolo built for medium- to long-term aging. Most vintages reward patience and will continue to develop complexity over 10 to 20 years from vintage date.

Where is Lazzarito Barolo made? Fontanafredda Lazzarito Barolo is produced in Serralunga d'Alba, one of the five core communes of the Barolo DOCG zone in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The estate, the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont, sources this bottling exclusively from the La Delizia vineyard within the Lazzarito MGA.

What foods pair well with Lazzarito Barolo? Braised osso buco works beautifully, as the wine's tannins and acidity balance the richness of the marrow. Hand-cut tajarin pasta with butter and white truffle highlights Nebbiolo's earthy aromatics. Roasted lamb shoulder complements the herbal and tobacco notes. Aged hard cheeses like 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano match the wine's structure. Wild boar ragù pairs naturally with the wine's savory depth and cherry fruit.

What sizes does Lazzarito Barolo come in? Fontanafredda Lazzarito Barolo is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Lazzarito Barolo worth the price? Lazzarito Barolo positions as a premium single-vineyard expression within the Barolo DOCG category, and its critical scores — 97 from Falstaff, 95 from Wine Spectator and Decanter — place it among the top-rated wines at its tier. For a certified organic, estate-grown Barolo from an historically significant MGA, it represents strong value relative to other high-scoring Serralunga bottlings.

Why Lazzarito Barolo?

Fontanafredda pioneered single-vineyard Barolo in 1964, and the Lazzarito bottling remains a flagship of that philosophy. Sourced from certified organic vines in one of Serralunga d'Alba's most respected MGAs, this wine reflects a terroir known for producing structured, long-lived Nebbiolo with pronounced minerality. A 97-point rating from Falstaff and 95-point scores from both Wine Spectator and Decanter confirm its standing among Piedmont's elite crus. For those seeking a Barolo that balances historical pedigree with modern organic viticulture and verifiable critical acclaim, this expression delivers on every count.