Northern Treasure of Dolomites Wine Country

Like tall sailing ships arising from a calm sea, the mountains of the Piana Rotaliana are part of a small section in the Dolomites that hug the sides of a verdant green valley in Trentino Alto Adige.

In Mezzocorona, the Dorigati family makes wine from about 5.5 hectares of vineyards they tend themselves by hand; in addition to about 15 hectares managed by local farmers. Cooperative farming in Trentino is widespread and accounts for about 80 percent of all agricultural practice in the region. The organization of these agricultural cooperatives plays a major role in the economic health of Trentino, shedding a positive light on oftvilified large grower entities.

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INSIDER TRAVEL TIP:  Mezzocorona is conveniently located midway between Trento and Bolzano where there are charming Christmas markets in December!

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Another advantage of the cooperative system in Trentino is that the bar is set higher for production standards. For example, while tradition and expertise are of the utmost importance, land stewardship and sustainability are at the forefront of growers’ priorities. Most small vineyard owners choose to grow organically and use ecologically beneficial techniques for fertilization, water management, and pest control. Healthier land means healthier vines, and in turn, better quality wines get made by more producers.

Teroldego

Throughout this flat plain, you’ll find Teroldego, a local grape variety that makes deep garnet, almost inky purple wines with characteristics difficult to find in other wines made in the area. The mineral composition of the well-drained soils, the Pergola vine training systems, and the northern latitude-valley-floor climate all play a role in how Teroldego makes a big impression with its multilayered dark berry fruit, earthiness and refreshing touch-of-bitter finish. As any preacher of the terroir doctrine will conclude (me included); Teroldego grown outside of the Piana Rotaliana does not exhibit the same vitality or curious allure as the Teroldego from Trentino. Food matching to Teroldego is interesting because secondary aromas and flavours vary by producer, based on how they decide to proceed once the grapes reach the winery. Some Teroldego wines are lighter and more refreshing, while others are plush, full-bodied and display herbaceous aromas or notes of licorice. Dorigati’s Teroldego Rotaliana strikes an enticing balance between its own velvety dark fruit, sturdy tannic backbone, and bright cassis flavour and refreshing acidity. The wine is refreshing enough to serve at a summer barbeque with sausages, grilled steaks or spiced meats. On cooler nights, Teroldego shines poured alongside slow-roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, or osso buco with polenta. The lesson here is not to avoid it because you can’t pronounce it or have never heard of it. I recall hosting a small wine tasting for the after-work crowd at a popular retail food shop. I poured Teroldego alongside four or five other more well-known varieties and guess who was the star of the show? You guessed it; Teroldego was the dark horse because it supplied what a lot of people seek out in a wine. It’s a charmer with complexity, the right amount of fruitiness, great structure, and all the while pleasantly refreshing. While visiting the Trentino region you should definitely try some! Written by Avery Affholter, wine expert and event planner.

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This is featured content from the Partica travel content market place writen by Enoteca Sileno Wine Educator, Avery Affholter

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