Mezzacorona Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva – Find It and Drink It

100% Teroldego from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy.

SRP around $20 and available for as low as $14. 30,000 cases produced. Imported by Prestige Wine Imports. Sample submitted for review. See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

From the bottle:

“Complex wine with great character, it pairs well with stews, roasted red meats, grilled dishes and seasoned cheese. Before serving slowly bring to the suggested temperature, then uncork in advance. Serving temperature: 61-64F.

13.0% Alcohol”

I love trying new grape varieties and I also love wine from Alto Adige so suffice it to say I was excited to pop open today’s bottle which combines both of these things. The Teroldego grape is indigenous to Trentino and pretty much only grown there. It is a parent to the lovely Lagrein grape and also a sibling to the scarcely planted Dureza grape, which is itself a parent to Syrah. Confused? Let’s just say it has it has good lineage.

The 2008 Mezzacorona Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva begins with a really pleasant and savory aroma of black cherry and other dark fruits like prunes, a little white pepper and vanilla. Tasting reveals a medium to full-bodied wine full of rich dark fruit, cola and a nice dried herb element. It’s smooth, has great acidity and is just really tasty. It ends with a bit of a leathery, oaky tinge and has good length. A great example of a little known grape that you’ll want to seek out and try!

You may also want to check out these other recommended wines from Mezzacorona:

• Mezzacorona Pinot Noir 2010 – Smooth and Easy
• Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2011 – Add It To The Short List

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

Don’t Miss A Recommended Buy! Subscribe to our daily email to get The Reverse Wine Snob in your inbox!