Why Terraelectae Is Important

I am certain that many wine professionals are asking themselves what is “Terraelectae”??Honestly, until this morning I didn’t know myself.?Doing some basic research I could only find a handful of articles making reference to this new category of higher quality wines from Chianti Ruffino DOCG.?

Even though the acceptance of the Gran Selezione was, at first, slow it now seems to be gaining acceptance more rapidly.?Since the Chianti Rufino DOCG is one tenth the size of the Chianti Classico DOCG it might be assumed that a new, higher level of quality, Terraelectae, be established but that will take significant time.

To me, the more important point is that almost every association in every DOC and DOCG (and AOC and DO) are trying to ?improve the quality of their wines for the purpose of drawing attention to the region in the first place.??In the US the TTB seem to be announcing new AVAs every month.

Ask the leaders in charge in the association for the Chianti Classico region, simply creating a new category is just the start.?A lot of hard work and promotion are needed to gain acceptance of a new category (no matter where the DOCG is located).

There are a lot of economic issues that will play out during 2023.?The divide between mass produced wines and fine wines are widening (and will continue to grow).?Many younger adults are not being drawn to drink wine for several reasons but especially due to the ever growing price of a bottle of good wine.?There is much uncertainty about the availability of glass and the certainty of the global supply chain.

Now add to this the increasing differentials of categories that few consumers as yet understand, and I see significant chaos.?If an association has not yet planned for a “new” category, they better start.?Within the plans that are created significant long term resources must be allocated for long term promotion.

I can only see a wild ride for wine sales going forward.