Freisa

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Freisa is a wine grape variety grown in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, primarily in Monferrato and in the Langhe, 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.

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[edit] Characteristics

Freisa is a vigorous and productive vine whose round, blue-black grapes ripen in early October. The three-lobed leaves are relatively small. The bunches are elongated in form.

[edit] History

The first record of Freisa dates from 1517 when it is referred to in the customs regulations of Pancalieri (province of Turin). In 1692 it is recorded as having been planted in Brichetto, Neive (province of Cuneo). In 1760, in Lu (province of Alessandria), Freisa is referred to again as a vine, but also as the name of a wine. By the 1880s it had become one of the major Piedmontese grapes, and in that period its cultivation was stimulated by the vine’s resistance to the downy mildew caused by the Plasmopara viticola fungus.

[edit] Wines

Wines made from the Freisa grape are red and usually somewhat sweet and lightly sparkling, or foaming. Still and fully sparkling versions are also produced, however, as are perfectly dry and more decidedly sweet styles. In the Canavese there is also a rosé which can be made primarily from Freisa, although that is not a requirement.

[edit] List of DOC wines employing the Freisa grape

100% Freisa:

  • in the province of Asti
    • Freisa d'Asti
    • Freisa d'Asti superiore
  • in the province of Cuneo
    • Langhe Freisa
    • Langhe Freisa Vigna
  • in the Province of Turin
    • Freisa di Chieri amabile
    • Freisa di Chieri frizzante
    • Freisa di Chieri secco
    • Freisa di Chieri spumante
    • Freisa di Chieri superiore

85%–100% Freisa:

  • In the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
    • Monferrato Freisa
    • Monferrato Freisa novello
    • Monferrato rosso
  • In the provinces of Cuneo and Turin
    • Pineronese Freisa

Wines which may be made primarily from Freisa (at least 60%), or from which it may be absent:

  • In the provinces of Biella and Turin
    • Canavese rosato
    • Canavese rosso

Other wines which may include smaller percentages of Freisa:

  • In the province of Asti
    • Albugnano rosato (0%–15% Freisa)
    • Albugnano rosso (0%–15% Freisa)
    • Albugnano superiore (0%–15% Freisa)
    • Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco, in still and spumante versions (0%–15% Freisa)
    • Grignolino d'Asti (0%–10% Freisa)
  • In the province of Alessandria
    • Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese (0%–10% Freisa)

[edit] References