“Kyè" Freisa Langhe DOC 2023 (BIO)

G.D. Vajra | Piedmont
Az. Agr. G.D. Vajra | Via delle Viole, 25 | 12060 Barolo

05373123 · 0,75 l · 41,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Kyè – Piedmontese for "chi è?", who is that? The question says it all. Freisa was once one of Piedmont's most important grape varieties, but then it fell into obscurity, supplanted by Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. It is no coincidence that Aldo Vajra, of all people, took it seriously again in 1980: in 2004, genetic research confirmed what the old winegrowers had long suspected – Freisa is Nebbiolo's closest relative, and is thought to be one of its parent varieties. The Vajras have been bottling a dry Freisa since 1989 and have thereby sparked a renaissance that is now setting a precedent. The grapes for the Kyè come from Aldo's own selezione massal dating from 1980, planted in San Ponzio at the lower edge of the legendary Bricco delle Viole – the vineyard closest to the estate. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, after which the wine matures for 26 months in large Slavonian oak barrels.

In the glass, it displays a translucent garnet colour; on the nose, redcurrant, wild berries, tobacco and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, Kyè is both juicy and structured – with tannins that are present without ever being overpowering. A wine that answers the question 'who is this?' with increasing confidence with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Distinctive and unapologetically rustic, with dark berries and sour cherry lifted by white pepper and lavender. Soft cedar and sweet spice emerge over an earthy undertow. A 43-day fermentation draws out robust, drying tannins, while four months in Slavonian cask adds structure without polishing away Freisa's wild character. Vibrant acidity carries the concentrated fruit into a long, savoury finish. This is a wine demanding to be taken seriously: decant young, or give it time in the cellar." Decanter

"The Kyè is concentrated, with aromas of wild plum, blackberry and juniper. There are also spicy notes of cinnamon and white pepper, which reflect the naturally thick skin and high tannin content of the Freisa grape, a historic Piedmontese variety closely related to Nebbiolo. On the palate, the wine is firm and fresh, yet easily approachable, making it versatile and generally very food-friendly. It captivates with a firm texture and juicy fruit flavours, with a certain rustic quality on the finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2023 Langhe Freisa Kyè will need a few more years to really come into its own. Blue and purple fruits, gravel, incense, liquorice, game and dried flowers lend this bold Freisa a wealth of character. The 2023 vintage is somewhat robust, yet also very expressive and versatile. In most years, Vajra tames the rustic side of Freisa, but here it is the diversity that comes to the fore." Vinous