Back Up a Second … What is Teroldego?
Teroldego is the most important indigenous grape variety of Trentino, an autonomous province in northern Italy. Like so much of the Italian wine landscape, Teroldego’s appearance on a wine label probably raises more questions than it answers. One might ask “am I getting something akin to Pinot Noir or more like Cabernet Sauvignon?”
 
With certainty, Teroldego is genetically related to Syrah, although exactly how is under dispute. It may also have a genetic relationship with Pinot Noir (which has grown in Trentino for centuries) and it appears to be a forebearer of Lagrein, the boldest indigenous grape of Alto Adige to the north. These connections to Syrah and Pinot Noir are noticeable in the wines — Teroldego wines have Syrah’s concentration, power and wild aromas of black fruit, olives and herbs, while retaining the soft approach and delicate tannins of Pinot Noir.
 
Tasting notes: Foradori’s “Morei” is one of four Teroldego wines — two are aged in oak, two are aged in amphorae, with the “Morei” seeing eight months of skin-contact in clay vessels followed by three months in oak casks. This wine is an attention-getter: The inky color with a garnet rim is appealing upon the pour, and the rich aromas — recalling red raspberry, dark plums, baking spice, olives and a hint of sweet smoke — are invigorating. Most notable of all is the texture of this wine. It is silky smooth, with just a hint of tannin and a robust acidity that moves things along. A radiant gem of a wine.
 
Serving suggestion: Morei would work exceedingly well with Jamaican jerk chicken, burgers or slow-roasted pork. Can be served with a slight chill without losing its magnificent aromas.