Sophie

Vineyard and terroir

The fruit comes in equal parts from Lieben Aich in Terlan and Mazzon near Kaltern. Lieben Aich is a warm, west-facing slope at 300 m, with poor, well-drained sandy soil over weathered porphyry; Chardonnay and Sauvignon grow there. In Mazzon, Chardonnay and Viognier occupy the Leiten parcel, Manincor’s steepest vineyard, where gradients reach 100%. Leiten faces southwest at 350–400 m and has a distinctive microclimate with calcareous, loamy loess rich in calcium carbonate.

Grapes

Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published vintage (2025): 93% Chardonnay, 3% Viognier, and 4% Sauvignon.

Vinification

Part of the crop was gently whole-cluster pressed. The remainder was destemmed and macerated on the skins for several hours to gain additional aroma and structure. Pressing was slow and gentle. Fermentation began spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in wooden barrels of various sizes.

Ageing

The wine remained on its fine lees in wooden barrels for a full year, refining its aroma, structure, and flavor.

Technical data

The 2025 wine has 13.5% alcohol, 5.7 g/l acidity after malolactic fermentation, and 1.8 g/l residual sugar. Production comprised 21,500 standard bottles and 603 magnums. The wine is biodynamic, Respekt-BIODYN certified, and vegan.

Tasting profile

Bright, deep yellow. Ripe apricot, yellow peach, and orange mingle with acacia and linden blossom and subtle wet-stone notes. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, combining juicy fruit and delicate creaminess with precise structure and lively freshness. It is dense and balanced, with persistent minerality on the finish.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 8–10 °C in Burgundy glasses. Pair with shellfish and crustaceans, poultry, substantial fish dishes, or aromatic cheeses. The optimal drinking window runs from 2027 through the end of 2037.

Vintage notes

The 2025 season began with early, healthy budbreak and a warmer-than-average spring; flowering was underway by mid-May. July and August brought sunny, warm conditions without extreme heat, while regular moderate rainfall supported even ripening. Rain in September required rapid work and precise selection. Compared with 2024, the 2025 white wines are fuller and more substantial, combining ripe fruit, crisp minerality, tension, delicate energy, and well-integrated alcohol. Harvesting of the Chardonnay began by the end of August.

Label / history

Sophie is presented as a portrait of the lady of the house: an individual, cellar-worthy blend of major white varieties.