Piedmont’s Troublemakers: Grignolino & Freisa from La Casaccia
Piedmont may be famous for Barolo and Barbaresco, but the locals don’t drink Nebbiolo every night. When the corks start popping around kitchen tables in the hills of Monferrato, it’s often wines like Grignolino and Freisa that show up instead. They’re some of my favorite Italian grapes; they’ve got just a little bit of attitude.
These two new arrivals from La Casaccia are perfect examples of why the region’s “other” grapes deserve a lot more attention.
2024 La Casaccia Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese “Poggeto”
Grignolino is one of the great oddballs of Piedmont. It pours a light ruby color that makes people think it will be delicate and gentle… and then the tannins show up and remind you this is still very much a Piedmontese wine.
La Casaccia’s Poggeto is beautifully aromatic, bursting with wild strawberry, sour cherry, rose petal, and a little white pepper spice. On the palate it’s bright and nervy, with that classic Grignolino combination of crunchy red fruit and a slightly grippy finish. Think of it as the Piedmontese answer to chillable reds—except with more structure and a lot more personality.
2022 La Casaccia Monferrato Freisa “Monfiorenza”
Freisa, meanwhile, is Grignolino’s darker, moodier cousin. Interestingly, it’s genetically related to Nebbiolo. You can feel that connection in the wine’s aromatic complexity.
The Monfiorenza shows deep aromas of blackberry, plum, dried roses, and spice, followed by a palate that balances juicy dark fruit with lively acidity and a bit of rustic charm. There’s an earthy, savory edge that makes it unmistakably Piedmontese and incredibly satisfying with food.
Freisa has always been a favorite of winemakers and locals, but it rarely gets exported in large quantities. Bottles like this remind you why it should. Together these wines are a perfect reminder that the real fun of Piedmont isn’t just in the famous names. It’s in the quirky, historic grapes that have been quietly thriving there for centuries.
I enjoy discovering wines that feel authentic, a little rebellious, and extremely drinkable. These are well worth exploring.
