Probably first mentioned in 1517, Freisa is one of the oldest grape varieties in Piedmont - and also one of the most important, even though there are only a few hundred hectares left in production here. The cultivation of the grape variety had been declining for many decades until the great potential of this variety was rediscovered in recent years and the population was stabilized. Today, winemakers such as Vajra and Bologna are once again producing outstanding and very remarkable red wines from this traditional variety. Freisa, it is believed, is a descendant of Nebbiolo, with which it has certain similarities in terms of scent and taste. Curiously, the Freisa most likely has family ties to the Viognier. The Freisa has a medium-long ripening period and tends to trickle down. The berries have a fairly high anthocyanin content. The Freisa is mainly widespread in northern Italy, but only on around 1,500 hectares. His focus is on Piedmont, where he is licensed as a blending partner for many different wine styles. It can also be found in the Aosta Valley, Trentino and Veneto. In addition to red wines, Freisa is also used to produce sparkling wines. Outside Italy, only Bonny Doon, who is already considered a cult winemaker, and Viansa in California have taken on this grape variety to a small extent.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Encore Spannina, Fessietta, Fresa, Fresa Grosa, Fresa Monferrina, Frescia, Fresia, Frezia, Frati, Grananella, Fratina, Freisa Del Piemonte, Freisa Di Chieri, Freisa Di Monfra, Freisa Di Nizza, Freisa Grossa, Freisa Pica, Freisa Piccola, Freisetta, Freisetta De Montaldo, Marchesa, Marchesa Di Calabria, Ivanna Milanese, Marchisa, Mounfrina, Monfesia, Monfra, Munfrina, Monferrato, Patuja, Spanna, Spanna Milanese, Spanna Monferrina, Spannina
