Cascina Tavijn Bianca 2022
- Region
- Italy » Vino
- Type
- white still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2022
- Grapes
- Chardonnay, Cortese, Moscatel Bianco
- Alcohol
- 12.5
- Sugar
- 0.6
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- 4 bottles
Ratings
Turns out I misunderstood Naida during our last meeting, but I had the chance to ask her in person, and it turns out she does plan to keep making this wine - there just won't be a 2024 release due to bad weather.
As for the wine itself - I really love this orange. There's some Muscat in the blend, but not enough to dominate, though it does lend a bright, expressive aromatics. It's slightly funky, but nothing too wild - just an easygoing, friendly, and incredibly drinkable wine. Dried herbs, peaches, canned pineapple, candy, and peach-flavoured yogurt. The VA is beautifully woven in. This wine just makes you crave summer. Lovely.
While Nadia has her reasons for discontinuing this wine, it's indeed a shame as it truly is delicious. It might not stand out in a blind tasting, but its charm lies in its simplicity. The flavors are reminiscent of liquid honey mixed with yellow fruits and a touch of herbs. On the palate, it's not overly powerful, making it easy to enjoy with a well-balanced profile. Not too funky, slightly sweet, yet perfectly balanced—it's simply nice.
About Producer
Cascina Tavijn, located in the overlooked Asti province of Piemonte, Italy, is a testament to the passionate and experimental spirit of its padronina, Nadia Verrua. Despite its modest size of approximately seven hectares, the winery stands out for its ambitious and diverse wine production. Nadia's approach is deeply rooted in the region's unique varietals, primarily focusing on Barbera, Grignolino, and Ruché. These indigenous grapes, particularly Grignolino and Ruché, have gained a cultish rise in popularity, reflecting the winery's influence in reviving and celebrating local varieties.
Nadia's journey in winemaking has been marked by a progressive shift from adhering to regional DOC and DOCG labels to a more liberated approach, allowing her greater creativity and expression in her wines. This evolution is evident in her historic wines, which have been renamed in honour of her parents – 'Ottavio' for Grignolino, 'Teresa' for Ruché, and 'La Bandita' for Barbera. Her experimental nature extends to the use of other varietals like Cortese, Moscato, Slarina, and Freisa, sourced from various means, including purchased fruit and newly planted vines. Nadia's commitment to natural winemaking is also notable, with a focus on limiting the use of sulfites and embracing organic farming practices.
The playful and colourful label designs by Gianluca Cannizzo, underpinning Nadia's vibrant personality and innovative approach, further emphasize the winery's unique character. Cascina Tavijn's wines, particularly their special bottlings, showcase the rich diversity and potential of the Asti region's indigenous grapes, making them a noteworthy contributor to the Italian wine landscape.