The First Lady of Teroldego

~ Elisabetta Foradori in her vineyards ~

"The first written document in which Teroldego is mentioned by name dates back to 1383 in the fields between Trento and Povo where a barrel of vinum teroldegum was used to pay the interest on a loan."
 

High above the pastures and the green rolling valleys in Trentino are the picturesque, postcard inspiring, Dolomite mountains. Within those massive high altitude shadows, lie the vineyards of Elisabetta Foradori, who, at the youthful age of 46 years, is fast becoming what La Cucina Magazine called "The First Lady of Teroldego". Not shying away from that compliment, she has single handidly raised the level of quality and notoriety of the regions indigenous grape varietal, Teroldego from which she produces two delicious reds: Granato, and a rosso simply called "Foradori".

Within Trentino, she has led a charge for higher quality, lower yields and stricter selection. These methods, which she was unable to convince other local producers to follow for the betterment of the DOC zone, caused her to leave the DOC and label her wines simply as "IGT". Foradori is employing biodynamic methods vigorously. She uses non-chemical methods pegged to the phases of the moon, which farmers (including founding father Benjamin Franklin) have long said affect the roots, leaves and fruit of plants.

In addition to her unconventional methods in the vineyards, she also extends that personality into the cellar.    Foradori's cantina is filled with ancient terra cotta amphorae that were first employed by the Greeks and Romans.  She's using these to produce white wines but also hopes to produce reds from them in the coming years.

~ Amphorae in Foradori's Cellar ~
(image courtesy of Foradori)

The 2009 Foradori Teroldego is a blackish purple color with only a slight fade to bright violet at the rim of the bowl.  The aromas of the wine are truly unique. There's a rich core of black plums emanating from the crystal, with notes of wet stones, minerals,  and a grassy alpine aroma.

In the mouth, the wine is medium to full bodied and very structured, with rich black plum flavors, sweet piney herbs, and a velvety texture to the entire package.  This is special and cannot be mistaken for any "mainstream" varietal wine.  Deftly balanced, with lots of fresh acidity and a substantial tannic structure that requires 1-3 years aging to settle down.  Delicious wine and a complete change of pace. 91 points, about $18.  

~ 100% Teroldego: Unique & Delicious and an exceptional value ~ 

Salute!