2020 Pasquale Pelissero Freisa

Grapes: Freisa
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming with biodynamic practices; clay + limestone soil; fermentation for 10 days in stainless steel then then 3 months in used oak; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal SO2; 14% ABV 
Winemaker: Ornella Pelissero

Ornella Peliserro took over the family estate in Piemonte from her dad, an organic grower and garigista who made small lots of wine in the garage.  Today, she's a unicorn in fancy Barbaresco country for many reasons: she's one of very few female vignerons, she still work from garage, does not use new oak, and her vineyards in the village of Nieve are organic with bioD practices.  

She's brought her son in the fold now, and together the two make a small lineup of excellent and affordable wines, mostly Nebbiolo-based.  And while her  Barbaresco is special, we’re partial to the weird grapes like this Freisa. Rare and indigenous to Piemonte, Freisa is a hyper local wine of the Langhe region, with a distinct strawberry note, some wild raspberry and mint, soft tannins and a touch of smoke on the finish. Save the Barolo for your Dad’s 60th birthday, and drink this easygoing, juicy red with your Tuesday night tacos or BBQ-d anything.