La vigna di Gioacchino (2024) - Azienda Agricola Sofia
In the heart of Etna, the Azienda Agricola Sofia keeps a secret that goes back a long way. "La vigna di Gioacchino" takes its name from a local shepherd, Gioacchino, who is said to have found a spring of water hidden among the volcanic rocks. That discovery allowed the community to survive a devastating drought. In gratitude, the people decided to plant a vineyard in his honour, using the indigenous Catarratto and Insolia varieties. Today this wine is not only a tribute to resilience but also a symbol of how nature and people can work together to create something extraordinary.
La vigna di Gioacchino (2024) - Azienda Agricola Sofia
Type: Vino Bianco
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
Grape variety: Catarratto, Insolia
Vintage: 2024
Winery: Azienda Agricola Sofia
Alcohol: 13%
The appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
Terre Siciliane IGT is an appellation covering the whole of Sicily, offering an extraordinary variety of wines that represent the heart and soul of this land rich in winemaking tradition. Introduced in 2011, this Indicazione Geografica Tipica allows producers to use a wide range of grape varieties, both native and international, ensuring creative freedom and a deep connection with the land.
Find out more about Terre Siciliane IGTWhat to eat with La vigna di Gioacchino
Who makes it: Azienda Agricola Sofia
Azienda Agricola Sofia is a well-established wine estate in the heart of Sicily, in the striking Etna area. The estate stands out for its dedication to making high-quality wines that reflect the uniqueness of the Sicilian landscape and its winemaking tradition. With a strong focus on sustainability and on championing native varieties, Azienda Agricola Sofia is committed to creating wines that tell the story and the culture of Sicily. The wines made by Azienda Agricola Sofia come mainly under the Terre Siciliane IGT appellation, a choice that allows the character of the Etna terroir to come through at its best. Every bottle is the result of careful winemaking that combines traditional and innovative methods, ensuring an outstanding final product. The passion for viticulture shows in every sip, offering a unique sensory experience.
Read more about Azienda Agricola SofiaThe vine of La vigna di Gioacchino
Catarratto
Catarratto is one of the oldest and most widely planted white grape varieties in Sicily, a symbol of the island's viticulture and a mainstay of the production of both still wines and Marsala DOC. It is a rustic, adaptable grape, able to express itself both in fresh, light versions and in structured, complex wines, above all when grown at altitude or vinified with care. There are two main biotypes: Catarratto Comune: more productive, widespread and neutral Catarratto Lucido: rarer and finer, with thin skins and more delicate aromas
Find out moreInsolia
Insolia — more commonly known as Inzolia — is a white grape variety native to Sicily, among the oldest in the Mediterranean. It is famous for its sea-breeze freshness, its delicate aromatics and a natural salinity that recalls the coastal land it comes from. Historically also used in the production of Marsala, today Insolia is the star of dry, fragrant, Mediterranean white wines, ideal for everyday drinking but also capable of yielding more complex expressions.
Find out moreLa vigna di Gioacchino: the Etna area
Etna
The Etna wine area is one of the most fascinating and prestigious in Italy, lying on the slopes of Europe's highest active volcano, Etna, in Sicily. This extraordinary territory is known for its wines of great elegance, complexity and strong link with the volcanic terroir. In recent years, Etna DOC wines have become a byword for excellence, attracting the attention of enthusiasts and critics worldwide.
Find out more about EtnaClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Volcanic
Geographical setting: Island
Profile of La vigna di Gioacchino
Primary aromas: Citrus, White flowers
Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs
Tertiary aromas: Citrus, Honey, Mineral notes
Tasting notes: A fresh, aromatic white wine with notes of citrus and white flowers. Ideal with fish dishes.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Fresh |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Pale straw yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for La vigna di Gioacchino
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness.What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel WinemakingPreserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product.Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling.Characteristics of the Resulting Wines ColourWhites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency.AromasFruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs.TasteFresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally.Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape VarietiesVermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés.Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for La vigna di Gioacchino
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for La vigna di Gioacchino
- No contact with the lees