La Villerina Secca Langhe Freisa

Another very agreeable Italian

I don’t hide the fact that I’m a massive fan of Brovia and their Freisa which they produce in a dry, still style is among my favorite values in all of Piedmont. The grapes for this wine come from the Villero cru and are aged exclusively in stainless steel. Production is extremely minuscule with under 1000 bottles made per year however, tracking some down is well worth the effort. The 2017 version has aromas of dark blackberries, roses, and tar while the palate is packed with strawberries, mulberries, blueberries and dried herbs. Impressive structure with mouth-drying tannins and snappy acidity leading to a long, tongue-smacking finish. Capable of aging? Yes, and probably would be an interesting one to follow over the next five to ten years. That being said, these are really meant to be consumed on the younger side while we wait for the Barolo’s to mature 😉. This bottle was paired with the “kamikaze” lasagna we got last night from Au Courant which, as it happens, was also my source for this bottle.

All blue fruit. Seemed more like a dolcetto.

If you’ve never been wowed by Freisa, seek this out. Positively monumental structure on the pop and pour...almost overwhelming...but over the course six hours, this unfurled into quite the stunner. Fresh red raspberries and strawberries with flowers and herbs on the nose. On the palate it’s bright strawberries and minerals with a long, long finish with something that reminded me a bit of teriyaki. Drink now with a few hours of air or hold. Get some.

Fresh, wild strawberries. Could drink it all night.

I love me some Freisa when I can find it, and this vintage from Brovia was pure magic.

Could fool you for nebbiolo. A little bit fruitier though

A little fresh. Benefits from opening a bit.

Similar to a Nebbiola. Cola like notes. Good with goa chicken.

Touch of smoke and dark berry