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. Azienda Agricola Foradori, located in the northern Italian region of Alto Adige, is one of the country's most respected and renowned wineries, with a deep-rooted history in producing indigenous grape varieties, particularly Teroldego. The estate was founded in 1901, but its modern legacy began when Elisabetta Foradori took over in 1984 following her father's passing. At 19 years old, she embarked on a mission to revitalize the family estate, modernize its practices, and elevate its wines, bringing them to international recognition.
Elisabetta is celebrated for her pioneering work with the Teroldego grape, an Indigenous variety that was largely overlooked at the time. She recognized its potential and devoted herself to refining its expression through organic and biodynamic farming, eventually becoming a symbol of this renaissance. Over the years, she has become a prominent voice for biodynamics, leading by example through her commitment to farming with respect for the land, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
A significant milestone came in the early 2000s when the Foradori estate officially converted to biodynamic farming. This transition was more than a change in agricultural techniques; it was a philosophical shift toward creating wines deeply connected to their terroir, which expresses the land's natural cycles. Elisabetta's focus on biodiversity, soil health, and minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar reflects her dedication to crafting wines with integrity and a sense of place.
The Foradori estate is nestled in the Campo Rotaliano, a small but highly distinctive Trentino area within the broader region of Alto Adige. This area lies at the foothills of the majestic Dolomite Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop and significantly influence the local climate and terroir. The estate benefits from a alpine-continental environment, where the cool temperatures and the stark diurnal shifts play a crucial role in shaping the character of the wines.
