Some of us are fortunate enough to travel to Italy in this lifetime. We stroll through the vineyards, picking juicy Vermentino grapes, and twirl forkfuls of pasta al limone into our mouths with reckless abandon.
And some of us are stuck at home watching “The Sopranos” and eating Sbarro.
Now, of course, that’s not a real taste of Italy, nor is it probably an accurate representation of life in New Jersey. If you’re jonesing to feel the dolce vita without hopping on a transatlantic flight, it’s best to go authentic. In this case, choose the Cavit winery.
Founded in 1957, Cavit hails from Trentino, a province in northern Italy not far from the Swiss border. In a country known for cranking out delicious vino, Cavit is responsible for 70 percent of the province’s entire wine production.
Cavit is best known for its Pinot Grigio — celebrated as the No. 1 Italian wine in the U.S. Produced with grapes grown in the exceptional geographical locations Trentino, Fruili, and Veneto, Cavit’s Pinot Grigio serves as an aperitif, entree pairing, or as an excellent standout on its own!
While you may be familiar with Trentino wine, here are some Cavit facts to get you better acquainted with this storied winery that broke into America almost 40 years ago.
Who’s in charge over there?
Anselmo Martini is an excellent winemaker (with a stellar last name). As one of northern Italy’s top enologists and Cavit’s lead vintner, he has made great strides in his position to ensure Cavit’s reputation as Trentino’s leading wine producer is well earned.
There are crowd-pleasing pink and new bubbly options.
As has been shouted from the mountaintops, rosé is a year-round wine, and Cavit’s limited-edition offering is exceptional. Consumers are quite fond of its elegant freshly picked strawberry aromas and medium-bodied, ripe red fruit flavors.
Last year, Cavit introduced Prosecco into its arsenal. From the refined notes of citrus and fragrant bouquet to the packaging, this newcomer is the perfect aperitivo — and is here to stay.
For such a big operation, Cavit’s carbon footprint is small.
Cavit understands that wine growers have responsibility to the environment. It is, after all, integral to how they make their living. Cavit is proud to report that its production is 100 percent powered by solar panels, 99 percent of the corrugated cardboard has been made from recycled materials, and 80 percent of the glass in bottling has been recycled.
The company also employs a variety of eco-sustainable farming techniques, such as modern irrigation and conscientious waste management, with the 4,500 grower-farmer partnerships it has in the area.
Trentino has all the nature you need.
Cavit is located in the foothills of the Italian Dolomites, a stunningly beautiful Alpine range. The steep rise of the mountains offsets historic castles dotting the countryside, and winter skiing is a way of life.
Vineyards in the region bask in the warming effects of the “Ora del Garda,” a dry, balmy breeze that sweeps across nearby Lake Garda. This is lovely for travelers and protects the grapes from moisture and disease.
Menu planning? Cavit has you covered.
Cavit has plenty of options for wine enthusiasts.
Oak Zero Chardonnay has apple, lemon, and tropical fruit flavors with lively acidity. The carefully selected, hand-picked grapes are fermented on the skins but never in oak. Drink it on its own, with light hors d’oeuvres, or with fish and chicken.
Cavit’s Pinot Noir is a delightful addition to any meal. The wine features grapes harvested from the hilly areas of Provincia di Pavia, which bring complexity and robust bright cherry and raspberry flavors along with a smooth finish. This wine is perfect for grilled or roasted red meats, risottos, and swordfish.
Cavit’s Select Red Blend is a delectable, bold wine, aged for one year in oak. It offers blackberry, plum, and cherry notes with understated tannins, and a long finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Salute a tutti!
This article is sponsored by Cavit.