Nadia Verrua, otherwise known as la padronina of Cascina Tavijn, has been at the helm of this dynamic estate in Asti for over a decade, though her parents still help out a bit. This rosso (cursive label) Barbera/Freisa blend is a perfect example of their dedication to natural viticulture and respect for their land. The grapes are organically grown among various parcels around near their home in the village of Scurzolengo, hand harvested, destemmed and gently pressed to kickstart a natural fermentation in various vessels - cement, fiberglass and old Slavonian oak - without piercing the skins. The wine macerates for up to 2 months on the skins before blending and aging in the same vessels for another year. It's bottled without fining or filtration and zero added sulfur. The outcome is a deep garnet, medium-bodied funky red with firm tannins, slight effervescence and aromas of violet, cherry, and wet stone that open up to pungent flavors of wild berries, leather and mushroom with bright acidity and a lengthy, earthy finish. Pairs beautifully with grilled portobello mushrooms or pasta with wild boar ragú.