Emilio Vada is one of my favorite recent discoveries. New to the US as of a few months ago, the Vada wines are a delight and easy on the purse strings.

The village of Coazzolo, located on the border between Langhe and Monferrato, is home to a family-run winery that bears the name "Emilio Vada." The winery is led by a young and talented winemaker who has taken the reins from his forebears to bring his vision of pushing the boundaries of Asti's wines to fruition.

For four generations, the family cultivated their vineyard holdings and sold the grapes. However, in 2016, Emilio stepped in and took over the winery. Since then, he has focused on increasing in-house production while investing significantly in the estate and cellar. Emilio's ultimate goal is to revive the red grape varietals in Asti, including Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto, as well as Moscato. Emilio Vada produces superior-quality wines by employing sustainable practices and investing in the cellar. His refreshing wines are a testament to his meticulous care in the vineyards and exceptional terroir in Coazzolo.

Brimming with brambly dark fruit, the tannins keep this wine structured without being jammy, while the acidity offers a perfect sprinkle of zest.

Pairing: Classic Margherita pizza, Coniglio al Forno, or the fresh roasted chestnuts from Daniele’s home

Grapes: co-harvest of Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, and Sangiovese

Viticulture: Biodynamic