Fontanafredda Raimonda Barbera D'alba 2015

Colin McKone rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby with aromas of plum, vanilla, oak, blackberry, raspberry and violet. It is medium bodied with well integrated acidity and tannins. On the palate there are black cherry and black pepper flavours that lead in to a medium finish. This will pair nicely with grilled red meats or tomato based pasta dishes. Tasted on October 29, 2017.

Lynn Van Der Linde rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Aromas of vanilla, eucalyptus, and forest floor swirl in the glass, with balanced tannin and acidity, and a lingering peppery finish. Wonderful with braised beef and a variety of cheeses.
The striped label is a nod to the once striped buildings that housed the first kings of Italy in the mid-19th century.
Tasted October 2017.

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A classic Barbera that is a step up from the Briccotondo label. Black cherry, spice and more oak than it's baby sister! The fruit spent a year in medium-toasted French and American oak before being blended as is evident in the aromas. Plenty of fruit on the palate with a long cherry finish. The possibilities for food matching are endless; pizza, meatballs, braised beef, sausage, lamb... the list is endless! Tasted October 29/2017

Sean O'Regan rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby purple, the nose has deeper tones than the Briccotondo bottling, with dark cherry, spice, floral and raspberry. On the palate, dark cherry, blackberry and oak spice. Medium full body, fresh and balanced. Aged in large French and Slavonian oak casks and small French and American oak barrels prior to blending.
Pair with pork tenderloin with a cherry glaze.
Fontanafredda portfolio tasting - Oct, 2017

Louise Boutin -Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This Barbera d’Alba DOC from single vineyard is a remarquable value. The nose is generous with aromas of blackberry, ripe black plum combined with forest floor, mushroom and vanilla. The mouthfeel is surpringly very silky before the young tannins and acidity make their presence known to frame a black fruit and cocoa powder med-long dry finish. Partial ageing in large French and Slovanian oak casks and French small barrels before blending provides character and complexity to this delicious red.
Can be enjoyed now with 1-2 hours of aeration before service but an additional 2-5 years of cellaring should pay off. Pair with rare prime rib.

Tasted on Oct 29th, 2017

Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Single Vineyard Barbera from Fontanafredda Stripes flagship wine series. A bright ruby red colour, aromas are fresh and earthy consisting of blackberry, cassis, tomato, leather and a hint of mineral and cigarbox. Illuminated flavours of tart cherries, cranberries and ground nutmeg spice notes. High acidity and rich refined tannins leave a prolonged finish echoing some dark chocolate and black fruit into the persistency. An outstanding value, available on limited release when it gets to market. Can drink now but will also be suitable for aging. Pair with rich cheese, sun dried tomato and fresh tomato dishes including lasagna, linguini marinara and bruschetta. Tasted with Fontanafredda brand ambassador, Alberto Frea - October 2017

John Masur WSET 3, Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This Barbara D'Alba DOC wine was matured in French and Slavonian oak casks and also a portion in French and American oak barrels for about 1 year before blending and bottling. The wine is nicely balanced showing depth of fruit and complexity of black pepper, spice, and graphite. Black cherry, currants and blackberries are the prominent fruit flavours right to the finish. This is a great value wine that would be a welcome addition to your red meats.

Melanie Lloyd rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This is a juicy wine that is loaded with aromas of blackberries and plums, followed by vanilla, floral notes, and a touch of oak.

Ripe dark fruit follows through on the palate as well as a touch of black pepper. The tannins are medium and there's fresh acidity as well as a nice long finish. Overall a very pleasant wine.

Pair with pepperoni pizza, pasta in a tomato or meat sauce, or with grilled or roasted meat.

Tasted October 2017.

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This wine shows up on the shelves of the LCBO only once per year, so when it arrives, it is wise to purchase several bottles! This Barbera is made more in the style of a Barolo, and is aged in French and Slavonian barrels. Plum preserves, vanilla, mushroom leather and dried floral notes are present in the flavour profile. It is full-bodied with medium-firm tannins and a long finish. Pair with rich, meaty dishes or aged cheese. Tasted with Alberto Frea, Brand Ambassador - Fontanafredda. October 29, 2017.

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Tangy and earthy, a fantastic food pairing wine. Loads of juicy raspberry, cherry, and red currant with a touch of earthy mushroom and balsamic. There is a generous amount of freshly ground spicy black pepper and notes of grassy herb.

This wine is great pairing with traditional tomato-based Italian dishes such as margherita pizza, eggplant parmesan, or spaghetti with tomato sauce.

Kristin Perrin rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

Nose: gorgeous ripe juicy bing cherry, earthy, red licorice & raspberries, slightly leathery notes
Palate: all of the above mentioned confirmed on the palate, medium plus body, some chocolate & notes, gripping elegant tannins, lengthy finish.
Perfect with harder aged cheeses, cured meats, any braised red meat dishes, tomato based pasta sauces! Excellent value.

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A fleshier midpalate than the Briccotondo, this wine is is loaded with black plum, cherry and briar supported by spice, old wood and matchbox. Lovely for sipping or with pasta. 90 points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)