Grape Variety: Freisa

Colour: Red

Pronounced as in when you’ve drained the last drop of this pale Piedmonteaser then Freisa has definitely left the building this grape variety is grown in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, primarily Monferrato and in the nLanghe, but also further north in the provinces of Turin and Biella. Synonyms for Freisa include Monferrina, Monfreisa, Fessietta, Freisa di Chieri, Fresa Freisa and Spannina.

The first historical references to the Freisa variety date to the 18th century. True connoisseurs have always appreciated Freisa d’Asti and among them was the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who always insisted that the wine be served at the royal table. Perhaps no other wine has been so much debated or has aroused such strong emotions in both admirers and detractors. However, that discord is easily explained by the range of characteristics that the wine offers, depending upon the terrain in which the vine grows and the exposure that it enjoys.

The variety is, in fact, highly resistant to climatic fluctuations and diseases and it is highly adapted to a diversity of soils and to generally unfavourable exposures. The result is that the variety offers substantial yields, sometimes and in certain conditions to the detriment of the wine’s finesse.  Cultivation of the variety is now rather widely diffused and production has been diversified with the creation of two types: dry Freisa and sweetish and bubbly Freisa, which is gaining increasing favour with consumers.

Our Freisa comes from Giacomo Borgogno of Barolo fame. It is a jaunty little number, light-bodied (12%) with decent colour, with fruit flavours somewhere between cherries and raspberries. The wine has a nice astringent edge, but very little tannin, confirming it as an ideal summer red. Half an hour in the fridge brings the acidity to the fore.

An effortless drink Freisa is a happy partner for many dishes notably Bagna Cauda, Cima alla Genovese, Malfatti, Prosciutto di Parma, Fritatta Campagnola, Gratinana al Taleggio and Panizza.  By the time you’ve finished translating all those you will be hungry and suitably thirsty.