Bandita - 2020
Cascina Tavijn
4.00 / 5.0
- Type
- red still, dry
- Region
- Vino (IT), Italy
- Producer
- Cascina Tavijn
- Vintage
- 2020
- Grapes
- Barbera
- Alcohol
- 14
- Sugar
- 4.99
- Price
- 780 UAH
- Cellar
- not available
The 2020 Bandita is a remarkable expression of the Barbera grape, originating from the estate's parcels in the steep hills of the Monferrato zone of Asti. Embodying the winery's organic and hands-on approach, the grapes, averaging 40 years of age, are meticulously farmed and harvested by hand. The winemaking process is equally thoughtful, with grapes being destemmed and gently pressed without breaking the skins, initiating a native-yeast fermentation. The long fermentation and maceration process in the winery's cool cellar, sometimes extending up to two months, and the subsequent ageing in concrete for a year, contribute to the wine's depth and complexity.
Bandita, once named so before legal pressures led to a change, showcases the essence of the Barbera variety - a deep, intense wine with a strong character, reflective of the terroir and the winemaker's philosophy. The wine is bottled unfiltered and without added sulfur, emphasizing Nadia's commitment to natural winemaking. The label, featuring Nadia depicted as a Bandita by artist Gianluca Cannizzo, captures the rebellious and spirited nature of both the wine and its maker. This wine not only represents the unique qualities of the Barbera grape but also stands as a symbol of Nadia Verrua's dedication to authentic, expressive winemaking.
Ratings
4.00 / 5.0·750 ml·@Wix Kyiv Office · Norm Wines Vol. 2
After nearly two hours in decanter, this wine blossomed, showcasing a captivating array of ripe cherry, plums, red flowers, leather, chocolate, and a hint of humidor. The judicious use of VA here is a masterstroke, enhancing complexity and adding a subtle lift without veering too much into funkiness. It strikes a pleasing balance between rustic charm and austerity, presenting as round, juicy, and eminently quaffable. This wine, with its excellent quality-to-price ratio, hints at an even more rewarding experience with a few years of cellar aging.
Wine #6 on Norm Wines Vol. 2 event.
Cascina Tavijn
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.