Bandita - 2016
Cascina Tavijn
- Region
- Italy » Vino
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Cascina Tavijn
- Vintage
- 2016
- Grapes
- Barbera
- Alcohol
- 15
- Sugar
- 3.2
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
Bandita is 100% Barbera from 40 years old vines scattered about the steep hills of the Monferrato. It spent two months on the skins, pressed to concrete vats for a year and then aged for one additional year in a big barrel.
The name of this wine comes from the fact that it was denominated from DOC and granted the most basic level - Vino Rosso, a table wine. And that's how the modern history of Piemontese wine-making is made.
Ratings
I am so happy that I've secured a bottle of Bandita '16! I haven't tasted this specific vintage for more than two years, and over this time, the rebellious kid turned into a beautiful Bandita. No more funny smells but a charming bouquet instead. Cherry confiture, chocolate, old leather, and medicinal herbs. Almost full-bodied with good tannin and acidity. It is rustic yet fresh and easy-going despite the 15abv. No wonder this wine took first place at our little Grapes of Piedmont event.
4.0 Consistently good natural Barbera. I think I can drink it every day. Stewed red fruits, bread notes, humidor. It has small reductive hint, but it does not ruin experience. Good balance, jammy, you can almost chew it. It's really tasty.
La Bandita is Nadia Verrua, padronina of Cascina Tavijn, small property (7 hectares) that abandoned DOC/DOCG classification to make wine as they see fit. Average vine age for Barbera is around 40 years. Long maceration, around a year in concrete vat. Result? Great Barbera! Black berries, tobacco, bloody something meaty. Gosh, I tasted a glass and took a bottle. Why? Because I felt a little bit Bandita!
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.