Freisa is a red grape variety from the north-eastern Italian region of
Piedmont. It is responsible for two quite different types of wine, from two
seperate clones.
The first style, usually made from the Freisa Grossa clone, tends to be light
and fruity, often made slightly frizzante and with a little residual sugar.
This makes an excellent party or summer lunch wine.
The second, rather more serious style of wine is made from the Freisa Piccolo
clone. This style is usually fermented to dryness and is completely still, has
good body, violet & raspberry fruit flavours, good tannin and acidity and
is capable of ageing for up to 10 years. A very good example of this style is
Giuseppe Mascarello's version
called Toetto.