ASofia Chianti Classico is the first wine produced by the youngest daughter of the family, Sofia Ruhne, after she took over management of the estate from her parents. The idea was to make a natural wine reflecting a special character of the Terreno terroir. It is made from a 100 % Sangiovese grapes picked in the oldest vineyard at Terreno and without any added sulphites.
During the making of ASofia, I learned what perhaps is the most important of all in winemaking – patience.
– Sofia Ruhne
Tell us about how the ASofia was born.
During my first years at Terreno, I got an oak barrel to work with in order to learn more about winemaking. The first thing I wanted to explore was the influence of sulphites on wine. We used Sangiovese from one of our older fields, adding the grape must to an oak barrel, without any sulphites to see how the wine developed. After a year the wine did not taste good at all. But because wine may need time, very much like teenagers, we left it for another two years in the oak barrel. Out blossomed a stunningly beautiful Sangiovese that perfectly reflects the terroir of Terreno and the valley of Greve. I then learned what perhaps is the most important of all in winemaking – patience. Never judge a wine because it just seems unbalanced at the moment, really good wines take time to mature. On the other hand, I learned that the use of sulphites in winemaking can be good. Now we add just some sulphites when bottling in order to ensure high quality during ageing and transport.
What kind of a wine is it?
The vision was to make a wine where Terreno shows in the character. The wine is therefore entirely made of Sangiovese, picked in the oldest vineyard and then refined without any additives of sulphur. The grapes get their taste from the surrounding herbs and late harvest adds a seductive taste of sweet cherries to the wine.
How is it best enjoyed?
This is a wine that can be enjoyed entirely on its own or with some aged Pecorino, but it is also perfect with the rich flavours of an Autumn casserole.
What does it pair with?
Truffle is typical for Tuscany and a truffle risotto goes hand in hand with the elegant flavors of ASofia.
Other:
ASofia is an award-winning wine both in Sweden and Italy.
In the Italian wine guide Vinibuoni d’Italia, it received the highest rating, four stars out of four, in 2018 and was awarded the prestigious title “un vino da non perdere” – a wine not to miss out on.
In Sweden, it has been awarded a silver medal in the internationally recognised wine competition Vinordic Wine Challenge 2019.
