Freisa is an old Piedmont grape variety popular throughout the whole Monferrato Astigiano district, but the best conditions for cultivating this variety are in the northern part of the province of Asti. Freisa d’Asti DOC can be made in a range of versions, with or without maturing in wooden barrels, and if the grapes are carefully selected and the wine is cellared for at least a year, it can bear the “Superiore” mark. In traditional farming circles, it is also produced as a sweet wine used to accompany fruit-based desserts.
Production zone: All the municipalities of the province of Asti, apart from Villanova d’Asti and Cellarengo d’Asti
Grapes: 100% Freisa
Production yields: Max. 8 tons, corresponding to 56 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum aging required and release: Freisa d’Asti Superiore: 11 months from January 1st of the year after harvesting
Minimum total alcohol content: 11% by vol. (11.5% by vol. if Superiore)
The color is ruby red tending towards garnet if “Superiore”. The aroma features the delicate scent of roses and raspberries, turning pleasantly musky with age. It has a dry taste, with pleasant tannins which is completed and harmonized by aging in oak.
Best with cured meats, soups, rice and pasta dishes, as well as soft and semi-firm cheeses.
