Team C&J
Elizabeth Foradori’s Agricola Foradori, is inarguably the most recognizable producer of Teroldego in the world, and her 2018 Foradori Granato Teroldego serves as a compelling example of her philosophy, seamlessly blending time-honored traditions from Trentino-Alto Adige with innovative techniques to create a wine that resonates with enthusiasts around the world. What draws wine lovers to these Italian wines is Foradori’s unmatched winemaking prowess, which is shaped by her dedication to organic and biodynamic farming methods.
The wine we profile here, is made from 100% Teroldego grapes grown on old vines in a 4-hectare vineyard called Campo Rotaliano in Trentino, Italy. The aromas hint at wild berry fruit, leather, forest floor, and pomegranate, while the palate is full and robust. This is a long-evolving wine with a captivating charm, making it a fantastic choice for both Italian red enthusiasts and adventurous palates seeking a unique experience.
Teroldego is a red wine grape variety native to the Trentino region of northern Italy. The grape produces wines known for their deep color, dramatic flavors of red and black fruits, and firm tannins. These wines often exhibit a unique character with hints of herbs, spices, and vibrant acidity, making them both intriguing and versatile.
Aging the wine in smaller oak barrels, as Foradori does, creates a sublime wine that is both refined and rich.
Elisabetta Foradori, a prominent figure in Italian winemaking, even outside of the cultish following that Teroldego has, took over her family’s estate at a young age, Elisabetta was in her 20s when she completed her winemaking studies, and has since become a trailblazer for organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Her delicious wines aside, Foradori’s commitment to reviving the Teroldego grape in the region is perhaps her most significant contribution to the wine community. In the mid-80s, when the winery’s first wines were being released, nearly all of the Teroldego being released was from sub-par clones that were used to make bulk wines. Elisabetta began the slow process of grafting over massale cuttings to elevate the quality of the grapes and improve genetic diversity for the region’s Teroldego grapes.
Foradori’s winemaking revolves around a deep respect for nature. She farms her family’s vineyards using organic and biodynamic practices and emphasizes minimal intervention in the cellar. Fermentation occurs in clay amphorae and wooden vats, allowing the terroir to shine through in her wines. Some of the wine is produced using open-top fermentation, a process that increases oxygen, which is great for the yeast.
Trentino-Alto Adige is one of Italy’s most respected winemaking regions. Located in northeastern Italy, the Alpine-like climate includes varying microclimates and altitudes, which are largely influenced by the Alps.
The standout grape in Trentino-Alto Adige is Teroldego, an indigenous red grape that thrives in the cool climate. In fact, it’s the region’s cool climate that preserves the grapes inviting acidity. Alongside Teroldego, rare red grapes like Lagrein and Schiava are also found, and white grapes like Nosiola and Manzoni Bianco.
The 2018 Foradori Granato Teroldego is a deep shade of garnet in the glass. The nose offers pronounced aromas, including cigar box and pipe tobacco alongside dark chocolate, mineral notes like graphite and slate, and a touch of smoke.
On the palate, expect notes of black cherry, olive, raspberry, and sour cherry, along with some oak influence and echoes of the slate and smoke from the nose. The wine is dry with medium acidity and medium-plus tannins, and the structure is just lovely. While the palate feels full-bodied, and the flavors are fairly pronounced, this wine is light on its feet but also pleases with a long and satisfying finish.
The 2018 Foradori Granato Teroldego encapsulates the essence of Elisabetta Foradori’s vision: a wine that marries tradition and innovation while reflecting the terroir of her family’s estate. The depth and complexity of this wine captivated us, and we think you will love it, too.
What does Teroldego taste like?
Teroldego wines often exhibit a deep color with intense red and black fruit flavors, complemented by firm tannins. They may feature hints of herbs, spices, and vibrant acidity, offering a complex and versatile drinking experience.
What is Teroldego wine similar to?
Teroldego is related to Lagrein, one of Italy’s oldest grapes, as well as Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine’s dark and red fruit notes sometimes draw comparisons to Beaujolais (Gamay) or to Syrah and Zinfandel for its hints of smokiness.
Italy
Vigneti delle Dolomiti
Teroldego
13
Elisabetta Foradori
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Burgundy
45 Minutes
Now to 2030
Azienda Agricola Foradori
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