2012 Cantina La Vis “Simboli” unoaked Chardonnay; Trentino, Italy

lavis12webThe Cantina La Vis, which unlike other “cantine sociali” in this area, is highly driven to produce the highest quality wines possible. In 1980 Cantina La Vis started the “Progetto Qualita.”  First, they embarked on an ambitious project known as “Zonazione.” Here, La Vis exploited its unique symbiotic relationship with the renowned enological institute San Michele all’Adige. Each vineyard of each member was evaluated and its soil composition analyzed. Altitude, prevailing wind, typical precipitation and exposition were next considered before determining the best varietals to be planted and the optimum way to cultivate a particular site. Founded in 1858, the growers had a vast wine making history to draw and improve on.  Their ideal location in the heart of Trentino where the vineyards are situated from the valley floor, to altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet, gave them a unique advantage.
Secondly, the winery recently completely renovated their facility to allow only the gentlest handling of the grapes with attention to each detail thereby extracting only the best quality.
Thirdly, the 1,500 growers who make up Cantina La Vis are now concentrating on increasing the quality of their grapes in the vineyards, as the cantina pays only for quality not for quantity. The results of these serious efforts in search of quality at La Vis, are world-class wines that deftly integrate tradition and technology at an affordable price point that we are very proud to offer to the WNC market.

The Simboli series highlights the unique characteristics of eight varietals grown in this part of Trentino.  Ripe and filled with lovely aromas and flavors of ripe pears, quince, and apples, this Chardonnay is a joy to drink. Medium-bodied, fresh and showing nice purity, this wine is nicely fruit-driven and ends on a refreshingly clean note. Great with cheeses,  seafood or fowl, this works great by itself too.

 $12.99 per bottle or $132.50/cs ($11.04)