Nadia Verrua: A Legacy of Natural Winemaking in Piemonte
In the picturesque province of Asti, in Piemonte, Nadia Verrua is carrying forward a family tradition that has spanned four generations at Cascina Tavijn. Nestled at 300 meters above sea level, her nine hectares of vineyards stretch across rolling hills of silt and sand, underpinned by sandstone. Like many young vignerons committed to sustainable agriculture, Nadia has transitioned her vineyards to organic practices, a choice that reflects her deep connection to the land and its heritage.
Nadia’s wines have gained international recognition for their rustic charm and authenticity, often crafted from lesser-known local grape varieties. Her journey began in 2001 when she started producing refined reds that pay homage to the region’s winemaking traditions. With six hectares dedicated to vines and an additional four hectares of hazelnut trees, her estate exemplifies a harmonious balance between viticulture and agriculture.
The vineyards are home to massal-selection Barbera, Grignolino, and Ruché—three indigenous grape varieties that thrive in the unique terroir of Piemonte. Grignolino, a pale red wine with delicate cherry flavors, is particularly noteworthy for its smoothness and vibrant youthfulness. Once on the brink of extinction, this ancient variety is now enjoying a revival among a new generation of winemakers, including Nadia. Meanwhile, her Ruché captivates with its bold floral aromas of rose and violet, offering a striking sensory experience that evolves beautifully over time.
Despite her modern innovations, Nadia works in the old-fashioned cantina beneath her family’s home, employing simple tools and traditional methods. The wines are raised in a mix of large old botti, vats, and cement, with nothing added during the vinification process. Her approach is guided by experimentation and precision, ensuring that each bottle encapsulates the soul of the region.
Beyond winemaking, Nadia’s estate reflects a deep-rooted connection to her family and heritage. Her parents remain active supporters, with her mother, Teresa, renowned for crafting one of the finest torta di nocciole in all of Piemonte. This multifaceted dedication to tradition and innovation shines through in every aspect of Nadia’s work.
Today, the wines of Cascina Tavijn are celebrated for their rustic elegance and vitality, embodying the best of Italian vino da tavola. Nadia Verrua’s dedication ensures that the story of Piemonte’s vineyards continues to evolve, one bottle at a time.
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WineYou (Italy - Ships within EU): A comprehensive Italian online wine shop that has a dedicated page for Cascina Tavijn and lists several of Nadia's wines, including "Bandita," "Ottavio," "Teresa," "Mostro" (Pét-Nat), and others. They ship within Italy and to many other EU countries.
https://wineyou.it/en/brand/761-cascina-gasparda (Search their site for "Cascina Tavijn")
Vini Sud Shop (Italy - Ships within EU): Another Italian online retailer that consistently stocks a good range of Cascina Tavijn wines, highlighting their organic and low-sulfur philosophy. They offer EU delivery.
https://www.vinisudshop.com/en/brands/cascina-gasparda-winery/ (Search their site for "Cascina Tavijn")
Chenin Chenin (Netherlands - Ships within EU): A natural wine retailer based in the Netherlands that lists "Bandita" and "Bianca" from Cascina Tavijn. They ship within the EU.
Vinifero Naturweine (Austria - Ships within EU): An Austrian online shop specializing in natural wines that lists several Cascina Tavijn wines, including "Mostro," "Ottavio," "Bandita," and "Teresa." They ship within Austria and to Germany, and likely other EU countries.
Cave Pur Jus (France - Ships within EU): A French online natural wine retailer that lists various Cascina Tavijn wines, including "Teresa" and "Signora Grappa." They ship within France and to other EU countries.
Marée Haute Vins Naturels (France - Ships within EU): A prominent French online retailer dedicated to natural wines. They often feature Cascina Tavijn. They ship within France and to many other EU countries.
(Search their site for "Cascina Tavijn")
Tutto Wines (UK - Importer/Retailer): A highly regarded UK-based natural wine importer and retailer that carries Nadia Verrua's Cascina Tavijn wines. They often feature detailed articles about her work. They ship within the UK.
Sager and Wine (UK - Importer/Distributor): This is a key importer for Nadia Verrua in the UK. While they primarily distribute to the trade, their website confirms they carry the producer, and you may be able to inquire about retail partners they supply.
(Search their site for "Cascina Tavijn" or "Nadia Verrua")
Chambers Street Wines (USA - New York): A cornerstone of natural wine retail in the US. They consistently stock a wide range of Cascina Tavijn wines and ship to many US states.
https://chambersstwines.com/ (Use their search for "Cascina Tavijn")
Louis/Dressner Selections (USA - Importer): This is the primary US importer for Cascina Tavijn. Their website provides excellent information about Nadia Verrua and lists distributors and retailers they work with across various US states. This is a crucial resource for finding a local retailer in the US.
https://louisdressner.com/producers/nadia-verrua/ (Check their "Find Our Wines" section for US retailers)
Parched (USA - Ships to most US states): An online natural wine retailer that often secures allocations of Cascina Tavijn wines, including "Bandita" and various Pét-Nats. They ship across the USA.
Leon & Son Wine and Spirits (USA - New York): A popular natural wine shop in Brooklyn, NY. They frequently carry Cascina Tavijn and ship to many US states.