Fontanafredda Barolo 2019: A Wine Fit for a King and Mob Boss

If Tony Soprano’s go-to wine was Ruffino's Riserva Ducale Chianti, then with his refinement and polish, Johnny Sac’s wine of choice would be Fontanafredda Barolo. Despite being a boss with all the trappings—big house, cars, and boats—Tony’s demeanor was very middle class, while Johnny played the suave sophisticate to Tony’s blue-collar persona.  Tony pushed an Escalade and Johnny would finesse around New York in a Mercedes Benz S-Class. Tony donned bowling shirts, John favored tailored double-breasted suits. Tony chugged Chianti, John savored Barolo. 

The show never got specific about what kind of wine John preferred let alone the producer but if we had to take a guess it would be Fontanfredda Barolo.  

Genesis

What makes Fontanafredda good enough for the sophisticated Johnny Sac? The wine has some serious royal roots, tracing back to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, who founded the Fontanafredda estate in 1858. So, while you’re savoring those rich flavors, you’re also sipping from a king's chalice. 

What’s a Wine Fit for a King Like

Fontanafredda Barolo 2019 boasts a deep ruby color with a slight garnet edge, hinting at its potential for aging. But the real magic happens when you take a sniff. Imagine ripe cherries, blackberries, and rose petals mingling together, with an earthy backdrop of truffles and a touch of Italian white leather.

With your first sip, you’ll immediately notice how well-structured it is—those tannins are robust, yet the wine remains incredibly balanced. Layers of dark fruits like blackcurrants and plums are mixed with tobacco, cocoa, and a sprinkle of spices. It’s smooth, but it still packs a punch—like a royal summons, calling you to answer for your crimes against sensibility by drinking wine from Aldi.

The finish is where this wine really shines. It’s long, satisfying, and leaves you with a lingering taste of dark fruit and earthy undertones. 

What the Critics Say

If you’re into wine scores, Fontanafredda Barolo 2019 does not disappoint. It’s racked up some impressive numbers:

- Wine Advocate:** 92 points
- Wine Spectator:** 93 points
- James Suckling:** 94 points

Final Note

These scores back up what your taste buds already know—this Barolo?Fugetaboutit.