Wine Grape: Freisa
Freisa is a red wine grape probably native to the hills between Asti and Turin in Italy's Piedmont region. The first sure reference to it is by Count Nuvolone in 1799. But there's another document from the early 1500s that mentions Fresearum, most likely Freisa. For a long time it was also grown in Italy's Lombardy and Veneto regions. DNA testing has shown that Freisa is a relative of Nebbiolo.
Often produced in lightly sparkling versions, Freisa has a bitterness that is frequently offset by leaving some residual sugar in the wine.
Synonyms
Also known as Fessietta, Freisa del Piemonte, Freisa di Chieri, Freisa Grossa, Freisa Piccola, Freisetta Fresa, Fresia, Monferrina, Monfesia, Monfrà, Monfreisa, Spannina
Where
Italy: Piedmont
Also: Argentina
Principal Wines
Italy: Piedmont: Canavese DOC, Colli Tortonesi DOC, Freisa d'Asti DOC, Freisa di Chieri DOC, Langhe DOC, Monferrato DOC, Pinerolese DOC
Characteristics
Color: Bright ruby red with purple hues
Nose: Floral (rose, violet), Fruity (raspberry, strawberry)
Palate: Medium body, good crisp acidity, noticeable alcohol, and a bitter finish. Can be tannic
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