Collection: Freisa

Freisa, the Muse grape of Piedmont

Freisa is a native red grape from Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. It is the closest relative of Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, and shares some of its family traits, but Freisa is very much its own wine.

The Style. Freisa is a grape of many faces. It can be made into light, sweet, and slightly fizzy wines, or into dry, firmly tannic wines built for ageing. The traditional style is often a slightly sparkling red with a touch of sweetness, an easy, refreshing summer wine. The more serious style is dry and still, with good body and the ability to age for up to a decade.

Colour. The wines are usually a light ruby red, sometimes with violet reflections, similar in tone to Nebbiolo but generally a touch lighter.

Aromas and Flavours. Freisa is perfumed and aromatic. The name itself comes from the Latin for strawberry, and that red-fruit character is central: wild strawberry, raspberry, and tart cherry are typical. You also find floral notes of violet and rose, a hint of sweet spice, and sometimes a wild, herbal, or slightly savoury edge.

Structure. Freisa has high acidity and firm tannins. This combination gives it a gripping, mouth-watering character and is the reason the best dry versions can age well. The tannins can feel rustic or angular in youth, especially in the smaller-berried Freisa Piccolo clone.

Where It Grows. Freisa is grown mostly in the Chieri, Monferrato, and Langhe areas of Piedmont. It has two main DOC zones: Freisa di Chieri and Freisa d'Asti.

Freisa is wild, perfumed, high in acid and tannin, and capable of both playful, frothy styles and serious, ageworthy reds. It is Piedmont's quiet muse. rustic, honest, and full of character.