The Cantina La-Vis winery is situated in the heart of Trentino and dates back to 1850 when it was founded by the Cembran family. The production area is comprised of vineyards located in Trentino but extends from the hills of Meano, La-Vis and Sorni, with some plots in South Tyrol, as well as the emblematic terracing of the Valle di Cembra up to Isera in Vallagarina. Since 1948 it has been run as a cooperative, when 14 independent wine-makers initially began this endeavour establishing the core of the modern production unit we see today. In 1969 however, the cooperative merged with Salorno Cooperative of South Tyrol, and by 2003 Cantina Sociale di Cembra also joined them. Today, Cantina L...
The Cantina La-Vis winery is situated in the heart of Trentino and dates back to 1850 when it was founded by the Cembran family. The production area is comprised of vineyards located in Trentino but extends from the hills of Meano, La-Vis and Sorni, with some plots in South Tyrol, as well as the emblematic terracing of the Valle di Cembra up to Isera in Vallagarina. Since 1948 it has been run as a cooperative, when 14 independent wine-makers initially began this endeavour establishing the core of the modern production unit we see today. In 1969 however, the cooperative merged with Salorno Cooperative of South Tyrol, and by 2003 Cantina Sociale di Cembra also joined them. Today, Cantina La-Vis make use of an immense 800 growers of around 800 ha.
Like Trentino, it takes its name from the Avisio River, flowing from the adjacent peaks with all the vigour of the breathtaking landscape that Vis, the Latin word for strength, so fittingly describes. Aswell as their logo that echoes their cherished terrain and ancient-winemaking practice guarantee. In Trentino, there is a vast assortment of hollows, hills and steep slopes, a complex and difficult territory.
Their intention has always been to produce wines that are an expression of their terroir, which involves meticulous research of each growing area, the factors that make it distinctive and which variety will flourish within it. In the mid 80’s, a ‘zoning project’ was launched which standardised planting decisions and is centre of why Cantina La-Vis consistently produces excellent quality wine. The document ‘Soil Map’ states the distinctive features of soil in a single area at a given time and uses different colours to outline the mineralogical composition. A painstaking project which requires constant review and is beautifully summarised with its slogan “the right vine in the right place.” involves each vine trained using the pergola system, whereby the main arms of the vine are trained straight up above head height and tied parallel to the lengthwise beam. The vines are trained and the grapes hang down under the shade of the canopy. Benefits of the Pergola system are that the vines reach a good balance between vegetation and fruit production, with good sun exposure. The Pergola is supplemented with the Espalier system whereby the vines are trained to grow along a vertical support structure, made up of posts, wires and stakes which run the length of each row. With a range of altitudes at their disposal, from 200 – 800 metres, they are able to use lower levels for fuller-bodied reds whilst more delicate white grapes can take the upper slopes.
Committed to Sustainability and environmentalism through the winemaking process, their philosophy is solidified through their compliance of the Integrated Production System Protocol of the Province of Trento. The SQNPI pledges to rationalise fertilisation and reduce synthetic chemicals in order to promote the preservation of biodiversity and the beauty of this terrain. Cantina La-Vis are interesting in their approach, in that by respecting both ancient winemaking and sustaining the land, there is a strong link between nature and technology, or, the new beside the old, in a unique mountain setting.
