Cascina Gilli Freisa d’Asti Il Forno 2024

Cascina Gilli sits in the Monferrato hills of Piedmont, where Gianni Vergnano has run the estate since 1983 and recently focused on recovering historic local vineyards. Il Forno is made from Freisa, an old Piedmontese variety genetically close to Nebbiolo, prized for its high-toned perfume, bright acidity and grippy tannin. The vines grow on the pale calcareous clay hills typical of the zone, and the continental climate with its cool nights preserves the grape's natural freshness and aromatic detail. This wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, a temperature-controlled inert vessel that protects the primary fruit and floral aromatics and keeps the wine bright, with no oak influence. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose is perfumed, with red berries, sour cherry, rose and a touch of rhubarb. The palate is light to medium bodied, fresh and lively, with the firm, faintly bitter tannin that marks Freisa and a peppery, savoury finish. This is an honest, food-friendly red best served young. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, with a light chill if you like. It suits roast pork, charcuterie and tomato-rich dishes.