Azienda Agricola 499 - Freisa Costa Dei Fre Langhe Rosso 2016

Azienda Agricola 499 is one of Piedmont’s most precious hidden gems. Founded in 2012 by Mario Andrion and Gabriele Saffirio, this relatively new project is already making waves across the region. For high-acid wines that go the limits, these bottles are just the ticket.

After pursuing studies in viticulture and enology, Mario went on to work as the winemaker for Castello di Verduno (Barolo/Barbaresco) and Domaine Serene. Gabriele was born into a winemaking family and was raised amongst the vines. The duo’s combined talents and contrasting upbringings create a multifaceted approach to their estate, though certain principles have been non-negotiable from the start: sustainable farming, minimal intervention in the cellar, and letting the juice speak for itself.

Mario and Gabriele’s six hectares of vines are cultivated on steep, terraced hillsides and are rooted into a variety of sandy and chalky soils. Upon realizing their shared passion for the Freisa and Moscato varieties, the estate’s focus was clear from the start. Today, the duo also works with a handful of other varieties, including Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Chardonnay.