Freisa

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Blue-black
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Late
Vigor: Moderate
Yield: Moderate
Character: Aromatic, strawberry, often fizzy
Style: Dry to sweet; still to sparkling

Overview

Freisa is one of Piedmont’s oldest and most characterful indigenous red grape varieties, producing aromatic wines with distinctive strawberry character that range from dry still wines to sweet, sparkling expressions. Once widely planted throughout Piedmont, Freisa declined as producers focused on Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto, but has retained devoted local following and is experiencing renewed interest. The variety’s natural frizzante tendency and strawberry aromatics make it unique among Piedmont’s reds. For enologists, Freisa represents study in aromatic red wine production and traditional sparkling red styles.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Freisa: Possibly from “fregio” (ornament) or dialect term

Alternative: May relate to strawberry character

Historical Development

Among Piedmont’s oldest varieties
Once more planted than Nebbiolo
Traditional Asti/Chieri specialty
Decline with quality movement
Modern: Niche revival

Traditional Style

Historic: Often sweet and fizzy

Character: Strawberry; aromatic; fun

Role: Everyday Piedmontese wine

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Moderate vigor

Leaf Shape: Medium; five-lobed

Cluster: Medium; compact

Berry: Small; blue-black

Growing Requirements

Climate: Continental Piedmont

Soil Preference: Sandy, limestone

Training: Various Piedmont methods

Challenge: Can be tannic when dry

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	October (late)

Wine Styles

Dry Still

Character: Aromatic; tannic; cherry-strawberry

Challenge: Tannin management

Quality: Serious examples exist

Sweet Sparkling (Traditional)

Character: Fruity; strawberry; festive

Method: Often charmat or ancestral

Sugar: Semi-sweet to sweet

Frizzante

Character: Slightly fizzy; fresh

Tradition: Historic style

Wine Profile

Aromatic Character

Signature: Strawberry (distinctive)

Additional: Raspberry, rose, violet

Character: Highly aromatic

Appearance

Color: Medium ruby
Intensity: Medium
Style-dependent: Sparkle varies

Palate

Structure:

Light to medium body
Variable tannin (style-dependent)
Good acidity
Aromatic persistence

Regional Expressions

Freisa d’Asti DOC

Status: Traditional zone

Style: Various (dry to sweet; still to sparkling)

Freisa di Chieri DOC

Region: Near Turin

Character: Distinct terroir

Langhe Freisa DOC

Coverage: Broader Langhe

Quality: Variable

Winemaking Considerations

Dry Style

Fermentation: Complete

Tannin: Requires management

Oak: Sometimes used

Sparkling Style

Method: Charmat or ancestral

Sugar: Retained for sweetness

Character: Fruity; fun

The Tannin Question

Challenge: Naturally tannic

Management: Maceration length; oak

Balance: Fruit vs. structure

Food Pairing

Traditional

Matches:

Salumi
Fritto misto
Light meats
Casual dining

Sparkling Style

Occasion: Aperitif; festivities

Temperature: Chilled

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Vajra: Serious dry Freisa

Various Piedmont estates: Quality examples

Traditional Producers

Local Asti/Chieri producers

Market Position

Production Statistics

Piedmont Plantings: ~1,000 hectares

Trend: Small; stable; niche

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry	€8-14
Quality	€14-25

Market Position

Niche: Local specialty

Challenge: Limited recognition

Opportunity: Unique character

Comparison with Piedmont Reds

Variety	Aromatics	Tannin	Character
Freisa	High (strawberry)	Medium-high	Aromatic
Nebbiolo	Complex	High	Structured
Barbera	Moderate	Low	Acidic
Dolcetto	Moderate	Soft	Fruity

The Strawberry Character

Distinctive Element

Aroma: True strawberry notes

Compound: Likely furaneol derivatives

Unique: Among red varieties

Conclusion

Freisa offers a unique window into Piedmont’s diverse wine heritage—an aromatic variety with distinctive strawberry character that can produce everything from serious dry wines to festive sparklers. For enologists, Freisa demonstrates the challenges of managing tannic yet aromatic varieties and the importance of style decisions in expressing grape potential. While overshadowed by Piedmont’s more famous reds, quality Freisa rewards exploration with wines unlike anything else from the region. Its aromatic personality and traditional fizzy styles offer refreshing alternatives for those seeking Piedmont’s less-traveled paths.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Bastianich, J. & Lynch, D. (2005). “Vino Italiano.” Clarkson Potter. Publisher Link
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026