Fontanafredda Contessa Rosa 2012

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This beautiful traditional method sparkling wine from Alta Langa DOCG in northern Italy is made even more interesting with a dosage of 1967 Barolo added to this 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay sparking wine. Gorgeous light copper colour, the nose shows sweet floral blossom, marigold, orange and stone fruits. The palate shows tart strawberry, buscuit, dough, with a very prominent crisp minerality on the finish. An outstanding vintage sparkling wine! Tasted October 2017. 92 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

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

Made in the traditional method, using 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes, this is a wonderfully balanced and elegant sparking, perfect for any celebration.
Heady orange blossom and lavender aromas fill the glass that carry through on the palate with hints of baking spices, and delicate yet persistent bubbles from start to finish. What’s most interesting about this wine is the micro-inclusion of 1967 Barolo into the top-up expedition liqueur, which is what gives this bubbly its delicate pink hue.
Tasted October 2017.

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

At a recent tasting this beautiful sparkling wine was a great introduction to the line up of delicious wines the Fontanfredda winery has in their portfolio.

Made in the traditional method with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes it delivers just the right amount of fruit and acidity. And as if that isn't enough - the winery sets aside 20 cases a year of their 1967 Barolo to use as the dosage which adds another layer of complexity. Terroir is evident as the white calcareous marl imparts some crisp minerality on both the nose and palate. Aromas of yeast and orange blossom and a long citrus finish.

Always made as a Vintage wine and with strict regulations this is comparable to a well crafted Franciacorta, also made in northern Italy only further to the west. Not available in Ontario at this time, but hopefully the LCBO remedies that in the future. Tasted Oct. 29/2017

Sean O'Regan rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Pale yellow with rose tint, sparking wine with small consistent bubbles.
Light nose showing strawberry, citrus notes, lees/biscuit, on the palate, light froth, citrus lemon, some melon, full, round moth med finish. Very elegant. Pinot and Chardonnay with a dosage of 1967 estate Barolo lending to the rose tint.
Fontanafredda portfolio tasting, Oct 2017

Louise Boutin -Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

A soft-pink sparkling made of Pinot Noir and chardonnay...so far nothing to write home about. Here’s the kicker; Fontanafredda Barolo 1967 is used as liquor d’expedition in a meticulous and lengthy “Spumante Metodo Classico” and transforms this most regulated DOCG bubbly into a unique wine full of character. Earthy, citrus, ginger, brioche and minerality aromas. On the palate, the bubbles are fine and elegant with fresh citrusy and earthy delicious long finish. Terrific!
Versatile and will pair well with just about anything. Try with antipasto.

Reviewed on Oct. 29th, 2017

John Masur WSET 3, Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Named after the mistress of Vittorio Emanuel II, the Countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda, this sparkling wine done in the Metodo Classico is classified as a Rosé as the part of the 70% Pinot Noir content is left to macerate on the skins. An interesting note is that the wine also contains some 1967 Barolo. The aromas of yeast and toast are notable due to the 30 months spent on lees. The flavours are nicely balanced of citrus, strawberry, floral notes, minerality and sparkling acidity. Not available yet in Canada, sadly! Very versatile for pairing with any appetizer or antipasti.

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

A lovely pale gold colour this sparkling wine is done in the classical method - Metodo Classico with a 70/30 blend of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. This delicate "Italian champagne" had a minimum of 30 months on fine lees and a little touch of Fontanafredda 1967 Barolo is mixed in here to give it a fun rose tint, making it significantly special. Aromas of peach, grapefruit, citrus and a little brioche. Flavours consisting of mango, delicate pear and aromatic apples balanced with refreshing acidity. Delicious and delectably refined. Will pair appropriately on its own, in celebration or with a variety of dishes, charcuterie, soft cheeses and shellfish.

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This is an interesting wine. Traditionally made sparkling from the heart pf the region that gave the world Barbaresco, Barolo, Moscato D'Asti, and so much more. A fun fact about this wine is that it contains a time percentage of 1967 Barolo as dosage.
It has a very pale rosé colour to it. Maceration was short. Chard only composes 30% of this blend. The mousse is creamy and very persistent.
Because it is Pinot dominated, expect vitality and fresh fruit to take center stage instead of body.
The wines must spend at least thirty months on lees for this appellation. That means this wine has picked up a lot of smokey lees. There's blood orange, quinine, hay, cornflower, calcium carbonate, and raspberry on the nose.
The flavous are driven by tremendous acidity amd freshness to the fruit. The secondary lees character is beginning to mesh with the red berries and tart citrus of this wine. It is very fine, but young.
This region's wines are highly regarded for their aromatic character. The mixture of calcareous, sand, and volcanic soils also means they have the perfect spot for growing Chard and Pinot vines that make complex and interesting wines. This DOCG style is always vintage dated and even though this wine is already half a decade old, it has plenty of vitality left. Save this one, for a special occasion, for the next ten years. Today, it would pair very nice with pasta carbonara or swordfish.

Colin McKone rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

A sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under the strict rules of Spumante Metodo Classico this spends 30 months aging on the lees and then is given a hint of 1967 Borolo for a touch of pink. Teaming with aromas of yeast, lemon, raspberry and cherry blossoms with the flavours of lemon, baked bread and a touch of red berries. Dry and light bodied. Great as an aperitif and a real tragedy that it is currently not available in Canada. Tasted on October 29, 2017

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

This sparkling rosé from the Alta Langa region of Piemonte Italy has a touch of something special, a dosage of the incredible 1967 Barolo from the region. Notes of ripe plum, sourdough bread, cranberry and fresh basil dance across your palate with a lively ginger finish. Its versatility allows you to pair this wine with your favourite meal. Tasted with Alberto Frea, Brand Ambassador, Fontanafredda wines, October 29, 2017.

Donna Hargrove rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

A fresh sparkling wine comprised of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the surprise in this bottle is the addition of the 1967 Barolo as an expedition liqueur. Soft pink in colour, sweet citrus on the nose with a balanced acidity on the tongue finishing with a hint of ginger. Great on its own shared with friends to mark a special occasion.

Tasted October 29

Mary Anne van Gaal rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

It's a pity this beautiful sparkling rose isn't available in Canada. Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes, it has the surprise addition of a small amount of 1967 Barolo for added depth. Using the "Spumante Metodo Classico" results in fine long lasting bubbles. Orange, ginger, lavender and peach combine
with subtle minerality. Great alone or paired with anything smoked salmon. Tasted October 29, 2017 at an Ottawa Fontanafredda wine tasting.

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 95/100 with the following review:

A beautiful sparkling and a tragedy that it is not available in Canada. This wine has flavor and story, taking its name from the mistress and true love of the estate founder of Fontanafredda.

The wine is very aromatic, and I get that pleasing tangy aroma as the wine in poured for me that makes my mouth water. The wine is rose-gold, with just the slightest hint of pink. On closer inspection, intense lime and lime zest, peach, floral (orange blossom), and tangy buttermilk. very mouthwatering. As the wine warms slightly and the Fontanafredda brand ambassador talks excitedly about the history of the winery, a little bit more earthiness comes through with a hint of mushroom and well-aged brie.

This wine is 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, with a surprise - a hint of the '67 Barolo has been added with the dosage to add a pleasant complexity.

Pairs with: In true good sparkling fashion, this wine has the both the body and acidity to pair with nearly anything. Great as an appetizer wine, pairs will with creamy and aged cheeses, pickled vegetables, pate, and anything fatty and salty.

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

Gorgeous aromas and flavours of white cherry, stone fruit, fresh bread, fresh herbs, and citrus blossom. 90 points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)

Kristin Perrin rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review:

Nose: Pretty cherry blossom, juicy raspberry, yeasty, doughy
Palate: Tart red cherry, cranberry, earthy, more breads notes, medium body, moussey bubbles & lengthy finish.

On it’s own as an aperatif, or even better with fresh pasta w/ a simple rosé cream sauce, the moussey bubbles would gladly refresh your palate and have you salivating for the next bite!