From: Alto Adige, Italy
Varietal: Teroldego
Critical Acclaim: RP 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The biodynamic and organic 2021 Teroldego Foradori shows ripe blackberry fruit, rich concentration and lingering aromas of sweet tobacco, nutmeg and exotic spice. Despite those savory tones, this wine remains brilliant and fresh throughout. The mid-weight style makes it a perfect companion to simple pork or lamb dishes.
Taste: The 2021 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT is an expressive red, boasting an intense ruby hue. A symphony of ripe blackberry in the glass, entwined with hints of sweet tobacco, nutmeg, and exotic spice. Floral notes of violet add a delicate touch. The palate is fresh and structured, with rich concentrations of black fruits and undertones of eucalyptus and earthy heather. Then, a sophisticated medley of spiced pomegranate and an almondy finish reveals a vibrant and brilliantly balanced wine.
Pairing: This mid-weight Teroldego, rich fruit character, and earthy undertones pair exceptionally well with dishes with a robust flavor profile. Opt for a simple roast pork (check out the recipe below!) or lamb, as the wine's freshness complements the savory richness of the meat. For a vegetarian option, consider a mushroom risotto or a dish with a hearty tomato-based sauce. The wine's spiciness and structure will interplay delightfully with the earthiness of mushrooms or the acidity of tomatoes. Also, continue serving this alongside aged cheeses for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Chinese Roast Pork on Garlic Bread
By Sam Sifton
About. The Foradori estate has been an iconic name in the Italian wine industry for decades. Often referred to as the "Queen of Teroldego," Elisabetta Foradori's influence over the winery and vineyards has been undeniable, and the estate's latest release—the 2021 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT—only bolsters their reputation.
The 2021 Teroldego Foradori received an impressive 92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, a testament to its captivating blend of flavors. This biodynamic and organic wine offers ripe blackberry fruit with a rich concentration. Its intricate composition of sweet tobacco, nutmeg, and exotic spice adds a layer of complexity to the savory tones while maintaining its fresh, vibrant character. The mid-weight style renders it an excellent companion to simple pork or lamb dishes.
While this may be considered their entry-level red, the intricacies of its preparation and the skill invested into each bottle are simple. Like a unique blend of Cru Beaujolais and Rhone Syrah, the wine offers an exotic, familiar, and intriguing mash-up. Teroldego's ferrousness, eucalyptus, and earthy heather elements sit beautifully over spiced pomegranate juice and tree sap notes, demonstrating Foradori's mastery of this variety.
Born in vineyards in Campo Rotaliano, a recess of the Adige Valley, this wine epitomizes Foradori's expertise. The wine's aging process involves a mix of concrete and old foudre, providing its characteristic depth and richness. And a small amount of SO2 is only added at bottling or in warm vintages with low PH after malolactic fermentation, maintaining its organic and biodynamic credentials.
Elisabetta Foradori's tireless efforts to elevate the reputation of Teroldego and transform it into a variety synonymous with quality are evident in every sip of this 2021 vintage. From the lush, Dolomitic limestone soils of the sunny, well-drained Camp Rotaliano plateau to the hands-on process of manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation, the care and attention invested into every stage of production is a testament to the Foradori family's dedication to their craft.
The wine's vibrant ruby red color and the delicate yet complex bouquet of violet, black raspberry, and black currant, light notes of herbs, and mocha captivate the senses. This structured palate is pleasantly fresh, culminating in a slightly almondy finish.
In the realm of pairing, the 2021 Foradori Teroldego proves quite versatile. It can accompany meat sauce and vegetable-based risottos, be an ideal partner for stewed meats and roasts, or elegantly contrast aged cheeses.