Briccotondo Arneis
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2025
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Fresh seafood dishes, light pasta with basil pesto, and soft goat cheeses.
✨ Technical Specifications
The historic Fontanafredda estate, founded in 1858 by Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy, as a gift for his beloved mistress Rosa Vercellana, is steeped in Piedmontese lore. The Briccotondo Arneis represents a modern, vibrant tribute to the region's indigenous white grape, Arneis, which translates to 'little rascal' in local dialect due to its notoriously difficult nature in the vineyard. Historically, Arneis was planted alongside Nebbiolo to draw birds away from the precious red grapes or to soften Nebbiolo's fierce tannins. In this single-varietal bottling, Fontanafredda coaxes out the grape's finest qualities using temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation to preserve its delicate, fresh character. The resulting wine showcases the classic Langhe terroir with expressive notes of white peach, pear, and acacia flowers, underpinned by a distinct mineral streak and a hallmark bitter almond finish.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1858 by Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy, as a gift for his beloved Rosa Vercellana, Fontanafredda is steeped in royal heritage and situated among the rolling hills of Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont's Langhe region. The estate was turned into a commercial enterprise in 1878 by their son, Count Emanuele Guerrieri di Mirafiore, laying the foundation for one of Italy's most prestigious wine houses. Today, the winery couples historic cellars and traditional aging with a strong commitment to organic farming and eco-sustainable viticulture. Fontanafredda is globally acclaimed for its benchmark, age-worthy Barolo and Barbaresco wines, complemented by refined Piedmont staples including Roero Arneis, Barbera, and traditional-method Alta Langa sparkling wines.