Located in the northeast of Italy, Trentino is an area legendary for its striking landscapes and immense beauty. From the soaring peaks of the Dolomites to its lush Alpine woodlands, this is a region of valleys and mountains, rivers, and lakes. Covered in pristine white snows in winter and deep greens in summer, it truly is a portrait of idyllic nature.
It’s also an area known for the production of splendid wines. In fact, grape-growing has been taking place here for over 3000 years – first introduced by a Greek clan from the Balkans known as the Illyrians. Making wine continued during the Roman times when the area was dominated by the Raeti, an indigenous Alpine tribe, and continued into the following centuries in the hands of local monks, who were the first to impose actual rules for wine production and to stipulate import regulations.
Some of the most well-known grapes grown in the region are Chardonnay, Nosiola, Muscat, Schiava, and a hybrid grape known as Müller Thurgau. This grape, which is a cross between Riesling Renano and Sylvaner, produces white wines that are light in body, to just the right extent, and delicately dry with crisp acidity.
In the oenological panorama of Trentino, Müller Thurgau has become an undisputed protagonist, gradually blossoming into one of the region’s most successful grape varieties for both the national and international markets. Today it represents a precious resource for all of the winegrowers who cultivate it with pride and dedication.
One of the most historic wineries producing this fresh and aromatic variety is Cantina La-Vis. This wine-maker cooperative traces its origins back to 1850 when a small number of grape growers first decided to work together in a quest to unite the production. Then almost 100 years later, in 1948, the cooperative was officially formed by a group of 14 independent wine-makers, who chose to name it La-Vis in reference to the local Avisio River that cascades from the tall mountain peaks creating this area’s awe-striking landscape.
Today La-Vis produces a wide variety of grapes ranging from whites like Müller Thurgau, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio, to reds such as Schiava, Pinot Nero, Merlot, and Teroldego. Its motto – The Right Vine in the Right Place – is a reference to La-Vis’ philosophy of grape growing which is based on a well-studied zoning system that assures that each type of vine is planted on plots that provide it with the ideal soil, temperature, and light needed for it to thrive and produce excellent fruit.
Amongst its selection of wines is a collection called Ritratti – a word meaning portraits in Italian. Ritratti reflects the different varieties of grapes grown by the cooperative – a sort of gallery of La-Vis wines.
Part of the Portraits collection is its top-rated Müller Thurgau, which recently won the Gold Medal at the International Müller Thurgau Wine Competition – an award that is a testament to the assiduous study undertaken in the cellars of La-Vis in the quest for the highest of qualities.
A brilliant straw yellow, Müller Thurgau Ritratti is well-structured, rich, and harmonious, with fruity aromas of green apple and litchi, and floral essences of lily of the valley and jasmine. It makes for a perfect aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to light appetizers, seafood dishes, goat cheeses, mushroom tarts, gorgonzola, and nuts.
The desire to explore the distinct expressions of the territory, the search for the highest quality sustainable viticulture, and the winery’s distinctive commitment to its philosophy of cooperation have guided La-Vis to the creation of various award-winning wines. Here, the 400 winegrowing members and staff work side-by-side to successfully lay the foundations for attentive, quality production. The collective spirit at La-Vis combined with a love for the territory and its grapes are the hallmarks of this renowned cooperative winery in Trentino, a land as captivating and unique as the wines it produces.