Sophie DOC 2023

Wine Description for Sophie DOC 2023 by Manincor

Colour & Appearance

Luminous straw yellow with greenish reflections, brilliant clarity in the glass. The cuvée presents itself with medium viscosity, indicating substantial texture.

Nose

Complex, multi-layered bouquet in which the three grape varieties complement each other elegantly. The Chardonnay component dominates with ripe apples, pear and a fine brioche note from the yeast ageing. The Viognier contributes delicate apricot and peach nuances, whilst the Sauvignon Blanc creates tension with subtle citrus freshness and a hint of white flowers. Mineral notes of flint and chalk underline the terroir origin.

Palate

On the palate, the Sophie 2023 displays impressive structure and depth. The four-hour skin contact imparts a silky texture and pleasant grip to the wine. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts provides additional complexity. Vibrant acidity – typical of South Tyrolean high-altitude vineyards – balances perfectly with the creamy fullness from nine months of ageing on fine lees. Flavour-wise, yellow stone fruit, lemon zest and a fine salinity dominate, reminiscent of the chalky soils of Mazzon.

Finish

Long, mineral-driven finish with sustained freshness. The 13.5% alcohol is perfectly integrated, the wine remaining elegant and precise through to the end.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come in equal parts from two characterful vineyard sites: Lieben Aich near Terlan (300m, warm west-facing slope on porphyry-sand-loam) and Mazzon near Kaltern (350-400m, extreme steep slope with gradients up to 100% on chalk-rich loam). This combination of warmth and coolness, porphyry and chalk creates the wine’s remarkable balance.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Cuvée of 94% Chardonnay, 4% Viognier and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. Hand-harvested in early September, four-hour maceration, spontaneous fermentation in wooden vessels of various sizes, nine months ageing on fine lees.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Excellent with pan-fried scallops, lobster with saffron sauce, veal schnitzel with lemon or aged mountain cheese. The structure also complements creamy risotto or pasta with truffle.

Special Features

Manincor’s flagship amongst white wines combines the best of two South Tyrolean terroirs. The extreme steep slope of Mazzon ranks among the region’s most demanding vineyards.