From: Alto Adige, Italy
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Taste: This skin-contact Pinot Grigio opens with an enticing blend of strawberries and cream, mandarin peel, and watermelon, followed by a burst of blood orange and subtle herbs like dried rosemary and oregano. The deep, vibrant color hints at its rich complexity. The wine’s juicy body and fresh acidity are balanced by finely polished, chalky tannins that grip gently on the palate. Aromas of camphor and kirsch add a unique layer to its fragrant bouquet, while flavors of salty white peach, pomegranate, and rose water unfold with earthy undertones of wet stone and flint.
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.
