Innovation and environmental sustainability are driving the expansion of the business
For oenologists and wine lovers, Fontanafredda is a true pillar of Italian fine wines. Located in Serralunga d’Alba - in the heart of the Langhe, in the province of Cuneo - the winery is renowned for its history, the size of the estate, the innovative projects it continues to create and, of course, the quality of its wines.
The Fontanafredda estate was purchased in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II as a gift for his lover, Rosa Vercellana, who was known as "Bella Rosina" and who he later married in a morganatic marriage. Since then, the farm has been bought and sold many times. It even passed into foreign hands before returning to Italian ownership at the start of this millennium.
Fontanafredda is now one of the largest wine producers in Italy, producing more than 7 million bottles a year with a total turnover of around €60 million. The estate's 120 hectares are all farmed organically and account for about 6% of the total Barolo production. They also produce Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and other typical red and white Piedmontese wines.
What makes the difference, however, is not just the size of the estate, but the ability to create a 360° narrative around wine.
In fact, Fontanafredda can boast of having created Europe's first storytelling village. This project was designed to help people discover the village and explore the estate through a series of open-air stories.
Fontanafredda is now leading a new initiative, the "Green Renaissance", which is the beginning of a change in perspective that offers a new take on values such as respect for the land and people.
Thanks to Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the company has secured an important loan to develop hospitality facilities in the area. The infrastructure that has already been built under the Fontanafredda brand and which will be expanded further include restaurants, hotels, a conference centre and even a theatre.
CDP proved to be the right partner to understand the company's needs: innovation, environmental sustainability, and development. This vision reflects the mission of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti's Business Plan.