The next couple months are jam-packed with holidays and family gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with a little wine from a family vineyard. Nestled among the hills of Nizza Monferrato in Piedmont, Italy, Frasca produces some delicious wines perfect for any occasion.

The Frasca family's love of Piemonte and its world-renowned wines was the inspiration to return to Italy with the desire to produce elegant, terroir-expressive wine in Nizza Monferrato. An introduction to winemaker Matteo Gerbi was the spark that turned this vision into reality. 

Born in Asti, Matteo’s vast experience in prestigious Langhe wineries helped forge a clear path, sharing the family’s journey from the very first steps. Today, Matteo leads a passionate team from the vineyards to the cellar, following the original inspiration with eyes to the future. The Frasca winery consists of 22 hectares of vineyards, embracing the municipalities of Nizza Monferrato, Agliano Terme, and Moasca, where they have become celebrated for their beautiful expressions of Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino, Riesling, and Arneis.

Explore their fantastic lineup here:

Freisa d’Asti 2022

This delightful red wine is made from Freisa grapes, one of the oldest varietals in Piedmont and a distant cousin to Nebbiolo. The grapes are delicately pressed with 30% whole bunches and then aged in oak barrels for 4 months and then an additional 12 months in bottle. The result is an intensely fruity wine with aromas of raspberry and roses that evolve into dark fruits, purple florals, and slight bramble notes on the palate. Perfect for the holidays or alongside pizza, meat ragu, mushroom risotto, roasted lamb, and hearty vegetarian fare. The label depicts the magpie, faithful and free-flying, which holds a special place in the hearts of Piedmontese winegrowers as a celebration of their farms and inhabitants.

Grignolino d’Asti 2023

Located in the heart of Piedmont, this Grignolino comes from 30-year-old vines that are grown in a mix of clay, sand, and silt. Aged in stainless steel with time to rest in bottle, this wine is a pale red in color with rich aromas of strawberries and red berries. Fresh and vibrant, this crunchy red wine is full of brambly and zippy notes, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, red sauce pastas, and hard cheeses. The label reflects the traditional vaulted architecture of Piedmont, symbolizing a safe place to shelter in all seasons. 

Monferrato ‘Sèj’ Bianco 2024

This white wine is a blend of 85% Arneis and 15% Riesling that’s grown in sand and river pebbles with a high concentration of minerals. It undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks with weekly stirring of the lees, which gives the wine extra complexity and creamy texture. Mineral-driven and crisp, this wine offers aromas of peach and white florals that evolve on the palate to orchard fruits and citrus peel. Pair it with seafood, light pasta dishes, and poultry, or save it for another 4-5 years as it evolves. The label depicts flashes of the Guaragna starry sky on summer nights. 

Nizza DOCG 2021

Named after the appellation, this 100% Barbera is pulled from vines ranging from 20-70 years old. The grapes undergo delicate pressing with some whole berries, aged in large oak casks for 6 months and another 18 months in bottle. The highest expression of Barbera that reflects its terroir, this red wine has rich aromas of dark fruits, balsamic, and mint, with a rounded palate, vibrant acidity, and a long finish. This wine sings alongside slow-braised beef short ribs, grilled meats, savory pastas, and mushroom risotto. The label showcases the flight of a butterfly which mirrors the delicate elegance of Nizza. 

Nizza ‘La Veja’ 2020

Named to honor “the old lady” who sold the winery to the Frasca family, this wine is made from single-vineyard Barbera grapes picked from 90-year-old vines. The grapes undergo delicate pressing with some whole berries, aged in large oak casks for 6 months and another 18 months in bottle. A wine that’ll make you second-guess everything you thought you knew about Barbera, it showcases deep dark fruit and violet notes, incredible complexity, and balanced acidity. A fantastic gift, perfect with holiday fare, or enjoyed later in 7-10 years. The label depicts a great oak that’s being blown by the wind, but its roots are too deep for it to fear the weather. 

Photos Courtesy of Frasca