While Borgogno is rightly revered for their great Baroli, they also make one of Piedmont’s most interesting and delicious non-Nebbiolo wines with the rare Freisa grape variety. Freisa is a genetic cousin to Nebbiolo and the two varieties have many similarities, both aromatically and on the palate. Freisa, however, is more medium-bodied and a little less tannic than Nebbiolo while offering its own special aromatic profile. Borgogno’s Freisa offers a cool, brooding nose with notes of tar, earth, dark plums and spices. The vibrant palate is perfectly balanced with cherry and plum fruits, soil tones, silky tannins, lively acidity and modest alcohol. Tasted blind, I think that most experienced fans of Piemontese wines would guess this to be an intriguing Barbaresco, or perhaps a Nebbiolo-based wine from Alto Piemonte. Enjoy with gusto now and over the next 10 - 12 years with all kinds of antipasti, roasted meats, sausages, pizza etc. Limited.
