If you can pronounce it, you are a genius!

If you think that Garganega is the most unpronounceable Italian wine-word, then try with Teroldego Rotaliano. Tongue-twister or a wine denomination used in Trentino Alto Adige?
Probably the former for a non native speaking....but definitely an indigenous  grape (Teroldego) based red wine produced mainly in the sub zone of the Piana Rotaliana.
This part of the very north of Italy is a flat alluvial plain shaping a triangle among the Adige river, its affluent Noce and the rocky walls of the Dolomiti. The soil here is alluvial, gravelly and sandy.

In a region mainly famous for its sparkling production, this red wine, although known only by a minority in Italy and almost obscure far from home, can be an extremely pleasant surprise and a splendid example of Italy ampelographic variety.
And being a supporter of the valuable local productions and of the diversity of wine, I believe this is already a good reason to learn and remember this name.

Unfortunately the grape can give high yields and consequently anemic and dull wines but when the right clone is used and handled with moderation and experience, then the resulting wine can be deep, elegant and lofty.
Few dedicated producers deserve a mention, and one of these is certainly Foradori.

Produced with biodynamic techniques their Teroldego is characterised by violet notes at the nose, followed by red forest fruit and a softly integrated hint of wood.
In the mouth the wine is full bodied and with a strong temper but with soft and velvety tannins.

It goes perfectly with roasted meat such as pork, but it's also beautiful with fatty charcuterie!

And after a couple of glasses I'm sure your pronunciation will massively improve!!!

Salute!

A biodynamic Burgundy Domaine

I have been really lucky in my life, having the chance to taste extraordinary wines, especially French.
The wines of Domaine Leflaive are on this list. But it was a while since I had tasted something (maybe due to the recession) from this multi-awarded historical producer of amazing Burgundy whites.
This is why my heart was filled of surprise and excitement when a very good friend of mine kindly decided to open for me a bottle of Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Clavaillon 2004. And that's why I decided to share this moment and a bit of information on the Domaine.

The wines are now produced by the third generation of the family. The business is managed by Anne-Claude, grand-daughter of Joseph, the man who decided to focus on the family vineyards, buy more hectares and replant the vines in the 20s. The winery has then converted to biodynamics since 1997 showing the world that even such big names can produce such big wines working in the most natural way. 2004 is a very important vintage from this point of view as it was a wet and cold season whit high risk of powdery mildew (oidium). But the Leflaive biodynamically cultivated vines were strong and the grapes healthy and the result is a nectar that will age very well.

The wine is a great example of extremely firm and elegant Chardonnay, with a good complexity of developing leesy aromas, toasted nuts and smokey notes. It has a clean, full and creamy structure balanced by a vibrant acidity and a mineral character. It is a great wine, even though I found it was not totally expressing itself: lacking a bit on the fruity side and not as long on the finish as I would have expected.

Then after browsing a bit on the net, I realised that I tasted it on a root day ....bad day to taste a wine especially a biodynamic one! But, hey...I don't have a second bottle...if you do, please let me know!!