Traditional Barolo Steal
2008 Cascina Fontana Barolo
Purity, Finesse, Value
I'm always on the prowl for affordable, traditionally made Barolo. To be blunt, it's daunting. Every now and then, though, the stars align.
That's what happened with Cascina Fontana's 2008 Barolo.
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The domaine is a tiny 4ha and that's part of the reason why the wines are still under-the-radar and such silly values.
I tasted Cascina Fontana a couple months ago and was blown away by how good the wines were, especially at the pricing. I've been waiting for them to arrive ever since.
Beyond thoughtful, traditional winemaking, the 2008 vintage plays a big role in the success of the wine. 2008 is likely the first vintage that approaches the clarity of terroir and elegance of the 2001 vintage. Galloni captures all this wonderfully when he writes: "The 2008s are highly transparent to site... this is a super-classic vintage that will thrill readers who like vibrant, refined Baroli."
Cascina Fontana's 2008 Barolo is beautifully clear and detailed. There's a really impressive sense of completeness, length and fineness to the wine.
It's easy to think of Barolo as a wine that thrives on its power, but Fontana reminds you of just how finessed and gorgeously aromatic Barolo can be. Dried cherry notes are complicated by explosively complex floral notes, spice and soil-inflected minerality.
It's really nice to be able to offer such a pure, cellarable Barolo at this price. As I mentioned above, this is a small estate and there's simply not a ton of this wine. I wish it were different, but that's the deal. Please give us your ideal order and we'll try our best.
To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits