Bottling Messinian Heritage
Greka Icons, Greece In Messinia, olive groves tumble towards the Ionian Sea and fig trees cling to stone terraces. Greka Icons was created in 2012 to capture these landscapes in…
Cascina Oschiena, Italy
This is Cascina Oschiena, a family‑run rice farm and nature reserve led by Alice Cerutti. The estate covers about 100 hectares in Crova, Vercelli, with a quarter of that area designated as a protected oasis for migratory birds and native flora.
Walking along its banks you may see Black‑tailed Godwits dipping their bills into flooded fields, a reminder that agriculture and biodiversity can thrive together. Oschiena is certified by Friend of the Earth and practices reduced chemical use, energy efficiency and traditional flooding techniques. The farm also invites visitors to learn about rice cultivation and environmental stewardship through agritourism and birdwatching.
Oschiena cultivates a range of historic and ancient varieties under the Natura 2000 designation. Classic risotto rice—Carnaroli and Arborio—retain their signature creaminess and firm bite; whole‑grain versions maintain the bran and germ for extra nutrients. Apollo offers a fragrant Italian alternative to jasmine rice, while Selenio, with its small round grains, is perfect for sushi and desserts. For more colour and texture, there is Ebano, a black whole‑grain rice with a nutty aroma and antioxidants, and Ermes, a red whole‑grain variety rich in fibre.
Beyond rice, Oschiena grows emmer (farro), an ancient wheat variety known for its hearty texture and protein.
The family maintains traditional flooding cycles that sustain wetland habitats and uses low‑impact machinery. A 25‑hectare oasis has been restored to support rare species and has become part of the European Natura 2000 network. Education is woven into the business: visitors can follow trails through the fields, take part in harvesting workshops and watch the migration of water birds.
We value producers who see farming as both a craft and a custodial role. Cascina Oschiena’s grains carry more than flavour; they carry a commitment to landscapes, heritage and sustainability. A bowl of their Carnaroli risotto or a salad studded with black Ebano rice tastes of Piedmontese soil and the waters that nourish both rice plants and birds.
At Carnivale, we believe that the best food has an identity, dignity, and depth. It is a sentiment that Cascina Oschiena embodies completely, understood through exploring their story. We are not here to shout about it. Our role is simply to listen, to translate, and to share. Together, we offer something timeless: flavor with a provenance, made by people who still believe in the enduring power of patience and of principle. Because in the end, it is not just about what you make, but why you make it.
