Grape Focus: Freisa
Freisa is a native Piedmontese grape with close genetic ties to Nebbiolo. Known for its vivid acidity, lush tannins and vibrant fruit, Freisa was once more widely planted than Barbera in parts of the region. Today it's enjoying a quiet revival, thanks to growers who are refining its naturally rustic charm into something more polished, yet still characterful. Expect wines with juicy raspberry and sour cherry, often layered with spice, florals and a savoury edge. Whether still or lightly sparkling, dry or off-dry, Freisa offers versatility and a true taste of Piemonte heritage.
Each of the wines below is pure, detailed and delicious — made entirely in stainless steel to let Freisa’s character shine. With its wash of textural tannin, Aris is best suited to protein-rich main dishes, while Braghé is softer and more approachable, making it a great match for lighter fare or even a slight chill. Together, they show two distinct and equally compelling expressions of this underrated Piedmontese variety.
Claudio Mariotto Freisa Colli Tortonesi DOC ‘Braghé’
Claudio Mariotto is the third generation of a farming family from Tortona, in the province of Alessandria – less than an hour east of Asti. While he's widely recognised as a master of Timorasso, his Freisa proves just how talented he is across the board.
This wine is striking for its freshness and vibrancy, with juicy raspberry, crushed sour blackberry and a lift of violet. Beneath the fruit, a savoury earthiness adds depth. It's bright, medium-bodied and full of fleshy freshness — a textured, multi-faceted wine with the versatility to pair with a wide range of dishes. It’s also an epic bargain.
Vinification: Soft, slow pressing followed by 4–5 days’ maceration and racking. Aged at least six months in stainless steel and a further six months in bottle.
“If you could bottle an autumnal woodland stroll when the bramble fruits are in full ripeness and the moisture rises up from the undergrowth, bringing with it scents of wet leaves, mushrooms and earth, well you'd get pretty close to this Freisa from Claudio Mariotto.”
Crotin Freisa d’Asti DOC ‘Aris’
‘Aris’ comes from a single south-facing hectare carved into the woods at 280 metres — a site that delivers both ripeness and freshness to this distinctive, character-driven wine. Crotin is a small organic farm that works with a light hand: healthy organic fruit, gentle extraction, and extended stainless steel ageing let Freisa express its purest self.
The wine is sleek and complex, rich yet fresh, with rose perfume, black olive, tart cherry and wild herbs seamlessly layered. The palate is driven by Freisa’s signature grip — tannin is everything… embrace it. Aris is a super high quality wine that drinks beautifully over many days. Decant and enjoy!
Vinification: 7–10 days maceration in stainless steel, followed by 12 months ageing in tank and a further 12 months in bottle.
Soils: 50% ancient marine with white coral, 25% clay, and 20% silt, rich in fossils.
