Terrescure

Terrescure - Wines with a special twist

Terrescure is a relatively young winery from Certaldo, about 30 km southwest of Florence. The estate is managed by Andrea and Marco Valiani, father and son. Although the estate was founded only recently, the two can look back on a long activity in viticulture. Terrescure is their project of their own collection, which combines tradition and modernity: the most modern organic viticulture is combined with classical viticultural methods from the 19th century to create something new.

Terroir and grapes of Terrescure

The Valianis grow both red and white grapes. Thus, the following grape varieties can be found in their vineyards:

• Vermentino
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sangiovese
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon

About 10 hectares around Certaldo are available for Terrescure wines. In dry Tuscany, the soils have a high limestone content, which is characteristic of the region and its wines. It is quite dry, but the rainfall is still sufficient to feed the vines.

Terrescure and the Governo process

At Terrescure, the traditional Governo method is still used, which involves a few tricks to give the wine special qualities. The origins of this can be found as far back as the Middle Ages, when the process was used in the absence of temperature control and a second fermentation ensured the process. While the majority of the grapes are pressed in the classic way, thus starting the fermentation, a small part (about 10%) of the harvest material is retained to be dried. Only 3 months later it is pressed and added to the already fermented wine of the first batch. In addition, the vat is fitted with a fermentation cap. Through this, a second fermentation is initiated. The fermentation cap does not allow all the carbon dioxide to escape and so the wine acquires a slight foaming quality. At Terrescure, the wines are then aged in the bottle to give them the perfect finish.

The price of hard work at Terrescure

This is a laborious process, which is why it is rarely used today. Nevertheless, the Valianis dared to do it and were rewarded for their daring:

The famous wine critic Luca Maroni already awarded 99 points to Terrescure's wine in the first two vintages. The second-born Bernadeschi 2.60 followed directly with 97 points in both vintages. Both red wines are representative of the high quality tradition that Tuscany has to offer away from the omnipresent Chianti. If you are looking for something special, you will find it here!