Fontanafredda Barbera d'Alba Superiore Papagena 2024

Fontanafredda Barbera d'Alba Superiore Papagena is a bold, expressive Barbera from the heart of the Langhe, crafted by one of Piedmont’s most historic estates. With its generous fruit, polished structure, and a year of French oak aging, it brings together classic Barbera vibrancy and a more refined, layered style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a deep dark ruby color with violet highlights. The nose is rich and inviting, led by ripe plum and cherry, followed by warming spice notes of cinnamon and clove, plus subtle toasted nuances of coffee and cocoa. On the palate, it is intense and full-bodied, with lively fruit, good depth, and a long, savory finish. A clear blackberry jam character lingers on the aftertaste, supported by balanced acidity and oak-derived complexity. While already enjoyable for its richness, it should also hold well for a few years as the flavors continue to integrate.

Production
Papagena is made from carefully cultivated Barbera grapes grown in the Langhe, where Piedmont’s rolling hills and well-drained soils help shape the grape’s natural freshness and concentration. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperature to preserve purity of fruit, followed by maturation in French oak for around one year, which adds structure, spice, and toasted complexity.

Food & Serving
This is an excellent match for red meats, richly flavored pasta dishes such as ragù or tomato-based sauces, and aged cheeses. Serve it at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for 30–60 minutes if you’d like to soften the oak and open up the aromatic layers.

Producer
Founded in 1878, Fontanafredda is one of Piedmont’s landmark wineries and a key name in the history of Barolo and the wider Langhe region. Over more than a century, it has built a reputation for combining tradition with quality-focused winemaking, and remains one of the most respected producers in northern Italy.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.