A perfect scoop for wine and soup lovers, this creamy and flavourful soup with regional Terlano Pinot Blanc won’t take you more than 15 minutes to prepare. But will make you dream of the slopes of South Tyrol for much longer.
If in doubt which of the many different regions you should visit on your next trip to Italy, I highly recommend you consider South Tyrol (Alto Adige in Italian).
From stunning snow-capped mountain peaks to green valleys, crystal clear lakes, beautiful small historic villages, medieval castles, endless kilometres of hiking trails and above all an outstanding culinary offer and excellent local wines, the area in north-east Italy abounds with attractions worth to be explored.
Speaking of food, the region might be best known for speck, dumplings and Schüttelbrot (a very thin crispy flatbread made from rye flour, water, yeast, salt, and spices).
But you have not been to South Tyrol if you have not tasted Terlaner Wine Soup at least once.
This delicious soup takes its name from the wine it is made from – Terlaner white wine.
But before I tell you more about the soup, lets first explore the region where the main ingredient (the wine) is made.
A quick guide to Terlano wine region in South Tyrol
South Tyrol is one of Italy’s smallest wine growing regions, but thanks to the almost Mediterranean climate with hot sunny days and cool nights and a unique varied terroir, it is one of the most multifaceted. There is a wide range of autochthone and international grape varieties grown, with white wines dominating.
Located right between the areas two major cities Bozen and Meran, Terlan (Terlano in Italian) is one of the many local wine villages.
But wine is only one reason to visit Terlan. On the culinary side, the area is also known for its annual asparagus festival and many more events taking place during asparagus season.
The village is furthermore home to an old church dating back to the 14th century, featuring one of the highest bell towers of South Tyrol, built from red shimmering porphyry rock. Towering on a ledge over Terlan, there is also an old castle ruin, officially named Neuhaus but locally only called Castle Maultasch.
But now, the wine.
Terlan is a sub-area of the Alto Adige DOC wine region, located around the village of Terlan and its neighbouring towns.
The area is known for its quality still white wines, with locally grown varietals including Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, and Sylvaner.
White wines from Terlan typically have a high mineral content along with a precise fruit character and a fine yet strong aroma, characteristics for which they are often compared to mature vintage Champagnes.
About Terlaner White Wine – Kellerei Cantina Terlan
Terlaner is exclusively made by Kellerei Cantina Terlan.
Award-winning Terlan winery, established in 1893 is one of the leading wineries in the South Tyrol reagion. Or better, it is a cooperative with over 200 single winegrowers and over 240 hectares under vine, of which around 70% are white varietals.
Alongside the flagship Terlaner, the winery makes a range of other wines too. These includes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau. Meanwhile red wines include Lagrein, Pinot Noir along with two red blends, Torilan and St. Magdalener.
Terlaner wines are white blends made from at least 50% Pinot Blanc and/or Chardonnay. Up to 50% can be made from the other white varietals grown in the area and a maximum of 15% can be made with other authorized white grapes.
Tasting Notes: Terlaner Cuvee
This excellent white wine is one of the role models of Terlaner, and indeed one of the wines produced since Cantina Terlan was founded. It comes along with a very classic taste profile and fantastic aging potential.
Terlaner Cuvee is made of three of the most classic white varietals – Pinot Blanc (the main varietal) from high altitude vineyards, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Grapes are hand-harvested while pressing and clarification of the must are done by natural sedimentation. The wine is then undergoing slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged on the lees for 6-7 month partly in stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels (for 20% of the time).
In the glass, a pale yellow with green hues.
On the nose, aromas of green apple and white peach, followed by notes of lemon and mint.
On the palate, fresh and mellow, with a high minerality. Dominated by a strong peach flavour. Persistent finish.
What food pairs best with Terlaner white wine
There is of course no question – the very best match will be to pair your bottle of Terlaner with a Terlaner Wine Soup.
If for some unknown reason you do not want to whip this easy soup together, the wine also works very well with the hearty local South Tyrolean cuisine. Think of bacon dumplings, veal, turkey breast with root vegetables or a charcuterie board with local ham (speck) and mature cheeses.
In case you prefer a more ‘Italian’ cuisine, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza and focaccia also work great with a glass of Terlaner.
Recipe: Terlaner Wine Soup
The story of the Terlaner Wine Soup started in 1965 – in Germany! More precisely, it was served for the first time at a culinary event taking place in Berlin during which specialities from South Tyrol were featured. Working together on old traditional South Tyrolean recipes, the three renowned chefs responsible for the event came up with this particular recipe for a delicious wine soup.
Serves 4
500 ml chicken broth
250 ml white Terlaner
4 egg yolks
50 ml heavy cream
2 slices of bread from the previous day, cut in cubes
1 tablespoon butter
ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Method
Melt butter in a skillet, then roast bread cubes until crispy and well browned. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Over medium heat, bring broth and wine to a light simmer.
Mix egg yolks and cream, then add to the soup. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with a pinch of salt, some nutmeg and cinnamon.
Pour into bowls, top with the bread cubes and sprinkle with more nutmeg and cinnamon.
Carrots and Tigers 