Think of old world wines, and Italy is probably one of the first countries to spring to mind. However, while the world's largest producer of wine may be famed for well-known wine regions like Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria, its best-kept secret has been hiding under our noses this whole time.
In northernmost Italy on the Austrian border, sits Trentino – one of Italy's most important wine-producing regions, and home to the Cavit winery. Blessed with a postcard-perfect backdrop of mountains, lakes, apple orchards, and medieval castles, the stunning province might have rested on its laurels. Luckily for us, though, its vineyards have benefited from more than just beautiful views – the region's perfect climate has also resulted in North America's #1 Pinot Grigio.
Thanks to 'Ora del Garda' (the warm, dry breeze that blows across Lake Garda) and the contrasting cooler evenings, the Cavit winery is able to produce rich, intensely flavourful grapes. And it's not just weather on their side; Anselmo Martini, one of Italy’s top enologists (a.k.a. wine nerd) and 2015's Winemaker of the Year, has played an integral role in developing Cavit's reputation as Trentino's leading wine producer.
On top of that, Cavit has been employing eco-friendly vineyard techniques and sustainable farming practices to reduce its footprint. In an effort to reduce water waste, Cavit is committed to using a high precision irrigation process, ensuring that water is only used where necessary. The winery also limits the use of pesticides and uses sustainable pest control and natural fertilizers – meaning you can feel even better about cracking open a bottle of Cavit wine.
For more than half a century, Cavit has been making a wide range of food-friendly wines in the classic Trentino style. While their Pinot Grigio is the most popular, the winery produces a number of approachable varieties, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The next time you're looking for a wine that's as affordable as it is versatile (so, every single time, then?), Cavit Pinot Grigio, with its bright minerality and citrus and green apple flavours, ticks all the boxes. Since it's great paired with everything from pasta, chicken and seafood (or just a sunny afternoon), every day is a good day to enjoy this light-bodied, zesty dry white. Find out why it's North America's favourite Pinot Grigio tonight.
$13.95, lcbo.com
