Freisa d’Asti

The Protected Designation of Origin "Freisa d'Asti" identifies the homonymous red wine and its variants Superiore, Spumante and Frizzante.

Grapes

All "Freisa d'Asti" wines are produced in purity, using exclusively grapes from vineyards made up 100% of Freisa vines.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The "Freisa d'Asti" (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 11% vol.) and "Freisa d'Asti Superiore" (11.5% vol.) may have a garnet red or cherry-red appearance, with a tendency to acquire an orange hue during ageing. The smell is characteristic and delicate, with hints of raspberry and rose. On the palate they are sweet and fresh, with a pleasant background of raspberry. Their flavour, however, becomes softer in dry-tasting products that are subject to brief ageing. Spumante (11% vol.) has similar colour and aroma characteristics and the same raspberry aftertaste, but combined with a fresh flavour, ranging from extra dry to bite. Organoleptic peculiarities that are also found in the sparkling wine (11% vol.), but combined with a sweet taste.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with the entire province of Asti, with the exception of two municipalities: Cellarengo d'Asti and Villanova d'Asti.

Specificity and historical notes

The original nucleus of diffusion of the Freisa vine seems to be the north-western area of Monferrato, on the border between the tertiary basin of Piedmont and the morainic hill of Torino. The Freisa grape variety then spread widely throughout the Asti area; its diffusion is due to its specific oenological qualities, its excellent vocation as a blending grape for its fresh fruity aromas and robust tannins.