behind the label : la vis
By Mike Muirhead
La Vis 2006 Dipinti Merlot , Trentino DOC , Italy $ 16.99
La Vis 2006 Dipinti Pinot Grigio , Vignetti delle Dolomiti IGT , Italy $ 16.99
La Vis 2006 Dipinti Pinot Noir , Trentino DOC , Italy $ 16.99
As the saying goes , what was once “ old ” becomes new again . La Vis has been producing wine for decades , but it is their achievements in the last 10 years that have made them one of the true innovators of the modern wine world .
La Vis is located in Trentino Alto Adige , Italy . The winery runs as a co-op , meaning that they source fruit from many local producers . This may seem like an easy way to make lots of inexpensive wine , but at La Vis , their main focus is quality .
Many wineries buy grapes in tons per acre , which is a simple economic equation that means the more grapes you pull off per acre , the more wine you can produce . But these economics are where the problem lies . Much like when you plant your tomatoes too close together , high volume does not mean good quality — and this is where La Vis has become a quality leader .
La Vis pays their growers solely by the acre . If one ton of grapes or 10 tons come off those acres , the grower gets the same amount . This has motivated growers to produce better grapes , not more grapes . And La Vis is watching , too . The growers who produce the best grapes over the years get more for their acreage , so it gives all growers something to strive for . The better the grapes , the better the pay — and for us , the better the wine .
La Vis has watched this process unfold over the last 10 years , and has gone on to take those best parcels of land and create special cuvées ( or blends ) from these wines . Grape growers are given bonuses if their grapes make that grade .
It all comes back to the winery knowing that if they produce a great wine at a great price , the consumers will love it . In the end , good wine always starts with good grapes . � www . banvilleandjones . com 19