Bottega Vinai Pinot Nero

Cavit is a leading co-operative in the mountainous Trentino region of northeast Italy. The winery began as a consortium of associated grape growers in 1950, with a dedicated winery at Ravina di Trento built in 1964. Today It unites 11 separate cellars and their combined 4,500 grape growers across 7,000 hectares of vineyard, to produce an impressively broad portfolio from an intriguing palette of indigenous and international grape varieties.

Trentino has a much higher proportion of wines produced as DOC than any other region in Italy - an average of 80% of the region's wines have a DOC classification, compared to around 30% elsewhere in the country. Remarkably, Cavit accounts for 60% of this region's wine production and they advise and supervise all aspects of this production from the vineyard to the bottle. Their site at Maso Toresella on the shores of Lake Toblino was the historic residence of the Prince Bishops of Trento, surrounded by 6.5 hectares of vineyard. It is one of the most significant 'masi' (rural estates) in the whole of Trentino.

Cavit have worked with the San Michele all'Adige Oenological Institute, since 1988, to develop wines of the highest quality. In 1993 Cantina Altemasi was established, also at Ravina, not far from the region's capital of Trento - for the production and maturation of Classic Trentodoc and Charmat Method sparkling wines. Trento Doc was the first Classical Method sparkling wine DOC to be established anywhere in the world after Champagne, and the first in Italy.

For more than two decades Cavit has adhered to the “Protocol for the Production of High-Quality Wines in Trentino”, marking its commitment to fully sustainable agriculture. It is also a member of SEDEX and has achieved SNQPI (Sistema di Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata) certification, applicable to its IGT Dolomiti and Trentino DOC wines. In addition to using only green energy, Cavit has made major investments aimed at reducing energy consumption. Specifically, it has built three photovoltaic generators which produce part of its energy requirements from renewable sources (more than 800 Megawatts per year), significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

PICA (Integrated Agricultural and Wine-producing Cartographic Platform), is the result of a five year research project conducted by Cavit in collaboration with MPA Solutions and leading research centres in Trentino: the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM) and the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK).

The PICA platform is a complex system, but it works in a simple way. By networking the 4,500 vine growers of the 11 Cavit wine producers’ co-operatives it collects information and gives advice. The main purpose of this platform is to help the grower to achieve total sustainability. The project comprises of two main areas.

The first defines the choice of the most suitable grape varieties, on the basis of the technical and environmental parameters of the soil; the second involves the creation of an avant-garde system with which agronomists and winemakers can receive specific information concerning each vineyard and the various phases in the cultivation of the vines. In practice, waste is eliminated and the grower has total control. For example, it is possible to regulate the water supply according to the characteristics of the soil and the weather conditions.

Pinot Nero, Lagrein

The Pinot Nero grape is particularly suited to Trentino's cool and hilly sites. Here they are sourced from Trentino's so called 'fratte' - terraced vineyards which are situated on the Calavino hills (300-450m above sea level) where they benefit from excellent exposure. The grape yield does not exceed 60 hl/ha.

Vinification is carried out according to the traditional system for red wine with a maceration period of 7-8 days. After a short period in stainless steel tanks, some of the wine is left to mature in a combination of barriques and larger casks for 10 - 12 months to add complexity.

A delicate, savoury and well-made Pinot Noir from the Dolomites, great value.

A fine and approachable style of Pinot Noir with aromas of redcurrants and cherry, combined with spicy, savoury, gently toasty notes. Fresh and nuanced palate with subtle red berry characteristics, soft tannins, balanced acidity and a juicy red fruit finish.

A great match with roast lamb, guinea fowl casserole or grilled white meats.