The Teroldego Rotaliano DOC lies in the Piana Rotaliano area, a flat, sandy, gravelly plain between Mezzacorona and Mezzolombardo, at the confluence of the Adige and Noce rivers in the province of Trentino. The zone is also named for its’ principal grape varietal, Teroldego. It flourishes only in this area, and, in spite of many efforts to reproduce the vineyards, environment, and irrigation in other regions, no one has successfully replicated the high quality wines anywhere else. Even here, Teroldego performs in a myriad of ways, making wines youthful and light, refreshing roses alongside full-bodied and intensely dark reds with great aging potential. DOC for dry red and rosé wines in the Trentino wine-growing region in Italy. It is named for the principal grape variety, as well as for the plain of the same name, which is framed by the Alps. The vineyards have been described as the ”most beautiful in Europe”.
Legend has it that the name itself derives from Tiroler Gold, the gold from Tyrol, which is how this wine was referred to at court in Vienna. However, it more likely takes its name from its traditional method of cultivation, in which it is trained on a system of “tirelle” or wire harnesses. Recent DNA analysis has revealed that this is a full sibling of the Dureza variety from France, which is one of the parents of Syrah. Some California authorities compare Teroldego to Zinfandel, with its spicy red fruits, but this is not accurate. For many years, it was used exclusively as a blending wine, mixed with sub-standard grapes to produce a somewhat drinkable wine. Eventually, the producers realized the benefits of eliminating the inferior grapes and producing a high quality single varietal wine, and we are beginning to see some amazing wines out of this region. Teroldego wines are quite distinctive, with intense fruit, full body, and a strong, dry taste. Its acidity and snap makes it a versatile food wine.
Rosso (Rubino may also be used on the label) and Rosato (Kretzer) are varietal wines made from the indigenous variety Teroldego. If matured for 2 years, and with a minimum alcohol content of 12% vol, the Rosso may be called a Superiore. Well-known producers include Cavit, Cipriano Fedrizzi, Foradori, Cantine Monfort, Endrizzi and Gaierhof.
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC Rosso: Rubino may also be used on the label. These are varietals made from Teroldego. Ruby red, dry, fruity, pleasant, lightly tannic.
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC Superiore: Must be aged for a minimum of 2 years. Ruby red, aging to brick dry, full-bodied, pleasant, a bit tannic.
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC Riserva: Must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, and have a minimum alcohol content of 12%.
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC Rosato or Kretzer: A rose, produced from the Teroldego varietal. Distinctive, pleasantly fruity, with a slight bitter almond flavor.
