We love wines with a great story behind them and so want to share with you the background to our very latest new arrivals at JNwine. This particular story begins in the foothills of the Dolomites – a world heritage site and one of the most picturesque regions of Europe. Nestled between Trentino and the Tyrol, the plain of Campo Rotaliano is described as a crossroads of culture, language and life. An intersection of Italian, German, Swiss and Austrian influences contributes to a unique culture and way of life. This area is home to a very single-minded lady called Elisabetta Foradori who has gained a well-deserved reputation for her hand-made, biodynamic wines. She has long campaigned for the revival of indigenous varieties and is almost solely responsible for the resurgence of interest in Teroldego. This local red wine grape is often compared to Zinfandel but it has recently been proved that one of its parents is Syrah. By reducing yields and seeking out the very best clones, she has worked tirelessly to produce the very best expression of the Teroldego grape, earning herself the title Queen of Teroldego along the way. For over 10 years now her vineyards have been entirely biodynamically – highly unusual in an area dominated by large co-ops such as the massive CAVIT.
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT – 2009– From the Campo Rotaliano area which is tucked into the Adige Valley between the Dolomite Mountains. Hand picked and biodynamically produced from the local indigenous Teroldego grape. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 15 months in wood and stainless steel. “The 2009 Teroldego Rotaliano is a big wine with huge fruit that largely masks much of the wildness that is typically present in this indigenous red grape. There is no shortage of intensity and sheer personality here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017”. Robert Parker 90 points.
Foradori Granato 2009 Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT - Made from old Teroldego vines of up to 100 years of age from three of the best plots in the Campo Rotaliano area of the Dolomites. Only 4 hectares in total are devoted to Granato, careful selection, all biodynamic. Aged in oak for 18 months before bottling. This was Robert Parker’s review of the 2007: “Ripe, silky tannins caress the palate as the 2007 Granato emerges from the glass. Crushed flowers, raspberries and spices meld together beautifully in this mid-weight, gracious Granato. Today the aromas and flavors are quite primary, but the wine should harmonize to a greater extent with another year or two in bottle. Subtle notes of oak linger on the elegant, polished finish. This is another superb Granato from Elisabetta Foradori. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. 94 points”
Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT – 2011 - This unusual local variety to the Trento area is a cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco and it expresses the local terroir to perfection. Aged in acacia wood casks for 12 months prior to bottling, it evolves slowly over time and is probably at its best 2 – 3 years after the vintage.
