Viniou Reviews
Cantina Lavis's 2020 white wine is a fine example of the modern Alpine style hailing from the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, one of Italy’s most celebrated mountain wine regions. While the precise grape variety isn’t specified, this area is renowned for its expressive, crisp whites, often featuring Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau or Sauvignon Blanc. The 2020 vintage, shaped by a growing season of intense summer days and cool nights, would typically produce wines with vivid aromatics, lively acidity and a delicate, refined profile. Cantina Lavis, a respected cooperative, is known for its meticulous vinification methods that emphasise purity of fruit, freshness, and the distinct minerality imparted by the mountainous terroir.
Trentino-Alto Adige, nestled between the Dolomites and bordering Austria, is a region steeped in both Italian and Austrian winemaking heritage. The region enjoys a unique microclimate – ample sunshine, cool alpine breezes, and significant diurnal variation, which are ideal for producing elegant white wines with clean, vibrant flavours and well-defined structure. The glacial and alluvial soils in the foothills encourage deep root systems and intimate mineral contact, resulting in a marked freshness and sometimes a touch of salinity in the best wines. This area’s centuries-long tradition of winegrowing, coupled with modern expertise, ensures consistently high-quality and distinctive wines.
Such a crisp, dry white wine from this region would make an excellent partner for a range of dishes. Its brisk acidity and refined minerality shine when paired with delicate freshwater fish such as trout with lemon and herbs, or with seafood risotto. Regional favourites like Tyrolean speck, apple-studded salads, and pasta with light cream or vegetal sauces also complement the wine’s elegance. Soft cheeses, especially those local to the region such as Formaggio di Fossa, provide a harmonious match.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Cantina Lavis’s 2020 white at 8-10°C. This temperature accentuates its freshness, aromatic nuance, and mineral clarity. Enjoy it in good company, preferably with a view of your own mountains or at least a sunny table, to best capture the spirit of Trentino-Alto Adige.
