Langhe DOC Chardonnay Ampelio 2023 Fontanafredda

What kind of wine is it

Ampelio di Fontanafredda is a white wine made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Langhe, known for its elegant, precise style and remarkable saline tension. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using only indigenous yeasts, while aging skillfully combines the use of French oak barrels and steel. This process gives the Chardonnay a balanced profile between solid structure and lively freshness. The result is a highly expressive white, distinguished by a prominent mineral stamp and an excellent ability to evolve in the bottle.

Where it comes from

This wine is born in the vineyards of Castino, within the area historically known as Vigneti Monsignore, in the heart of the Langhe. The territory is defined by a terroir of clear marine origin, with soils rich in limestone, clay, and sand—essential elements that give the wine sapidity and aromatic sharpness. The distinctive local microclimate features strong temperature swings, crucial for maintaining freshness and grape definition, and is constantly influenced by the presence of the Marin wind, which decisively shapes the tension and territorial identity of the white.

How it’s made

After a careful manual harvest, whole grapes undergo gentle pressing to extract only the free-run must. The liquid settles cold for twenty-four hours, then starts a spontaneous fermentation thanks to indigenous yeasts. During fermentation, part of the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it matures until spring and is enriched by periodic bâtonnage. The rest ages in steel to preserve its primary freshness and floral aromas. The two lots are finally blended in a harmonious blend before summer bottling.

Tasting notes

In the glass, the wine reveals a bright straw yellow hue, reflecting careful and rigorous winemaking. On the nose, it is intense and refined, opening with aromas of fresh fruit and floral hints, gently wrapped in a captivating smoky accent. The palate shows harmony and salinity, balanced by measured persistence and a well-judged structure that perfectly integrates the mineral terroir. The sip ends with a dynamic and orderly finish, hinting at an interesting and positive evolution over the years.

Pairings

Its versatility makes it ideal with soft cheeses and dishes that require a delicate balance between intensity and finesse. It's particularly suited to white meat preparations, such as Caesar Salad, and fine seafood mains like red prawns or cod fillet, where its acidity balances the succulence of the dish and enhances its briny notes. Staying true to its roots, it's an excellent match for vitello tonnato, a great Piedmontese classic that stands out thanks to the wine’s measured texture.

When to serve it

Ampelio is a highly enjoyable white from its youth, the ideal time to fully appreciate its floral immediacy and gustatory tension. At the same time, it has the substance needed for bottle aging, developing more complex aromas over time. It's perfect for convivial moments when you want to bring a precise, savoury wine to the table—one that supports the entire meal, from appetizers to main courses, always maintaining its expressive clarity and innate formal elegance.