Vigneti Massa L’Avvelenata 2021

Vigneti Massa farms across the hills of Monleale and Tortona in eastern Piedmont, where Walter Massa champions the region's overlooked natives. L'Avvelenata is his single-varietal red from Freisa, a perfumed Piedmontese grape once famous before Nebbiolo and Barbera took centre stage, marked by high tannin and a floral, fragrant nose. The grapes are grown organically on the calcareous clay hillside soils of the Tortona area, with cool nights preserving aroma and acidity. The wine is aged in stainless steel rather than oak, keeping the fruit and the grape's distinctive floral character clear and the texture fresh, while allowing the natural Freisa tannin and bright acidity to show without wood masking them. Expect a light ruby colour and a perfumed nose of wild strawberry, red cherry and rose with black pepper, dried herbs and an earthy edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, brisk and savoury, with the firm, slightly grippy tannin typical of Freisa and a dry, mineral finish. Serve at around 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and lighter cheeses.