Teroldego is the most important red grape variety in northeast Italy’s Trentino, in the foothills of the Dolomites. Recent DNA analysis shows that teroldego is an “uncle” of syrah, which comes through in its color and some of its flavors. Elisabetta Foradori is the reference-point producer for the variety, and this is the family's entry-level version, coming from 15 small vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Farming is certified biodynamic. The wine ferments spontaneously and ages in a combination of concrete tanks and large, old barrels. It’s bottled unfined and unfiltered. In the glass is a rainbow of dark fruits with a meaty, smoky edge and a hint of herbaceousness - flavorful but not at all heavy (just 12% alcohol). There’s ample acidity and not much tannin. It’s a stylish match for spicy dishes that ask for a savory yet light-on-its-feet red - for example, moles, Texas chile, or smoked eggplant.
