Viscà 2021 Cascina Fornace | Piedmont

Cascina Fornace 's Viscà cuvée draws its energy from the steep slopes of Roero, in Italy's Piedmont region. Made from Nebbiolo grapes planted some forty years ago on sandy, filtering soils, this wine is the fruit of biodynamic viticulture where biodiversity is king. In Italy, at the Cascina Fornace wine estate, Emanuele and Enrico Cauda let nature take its course: hand harvesting, horse-drawn cultivation and limited intervention, so that each bunch of grapes authentically reflects its terroir. Once again, winemaking is low-intervention: fermentation in stainless steel and concrete vats, exclusively with indigenous yeasts, with no addition of enzymes or sulfur, and bottling without filtration or fining, preserving the finesse and freshness of this Nebbiolo.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Cascina Fornace 's cuvée Viscà is an example of an approachable, fresh and unctuous Nebbiolo that pairs perfectly with delicate dishes. Enrico Cauda and his brother Emanuele follow a natural wine philosophy: in the vineyards of Cascina Fornace, the protection of biodiversity is a fundamental element dear to both winemakers. Every form of life, every element, from the soil to the micro-organisms present on the grapes, has a specific role to play in maintaining this natural balance, which must not be compromised.

On the nose, the wine opens with an explosion of wild blackberry, redcurrant and cranberry, complemented by accents of violet and tea leaves. A hint of wilted rose adds floral elegance, subtly enveloped in a vibrant freshness that flatters the expression of the grape variety.

On the palate, this wine is seductive with its fresh attack. The almost imperceptible tannic structure gives way to a fine, suave texture. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry are juxtaposed with notes of nutmeg and cardamom, creating a perfect balance between fruit and spice. Acidic tension structures the wine with finesse. The tantalizingly long finish, with its discreet salinity and fruity aftertaste, is reminiscent of the great Nebbiolo wines of Piedmont, and invites you to prolong the pleasure. Tasting reveals a digestible wine, without heaviness, that captures the very essence of Roero and its unique climate.