Stelo Italian Wine

Teroldego Rotaliano DOC is the jewel in the crown of Trentino’s wines and one of Italy’s most renowned red grapes. Its undisputable quality, developed through centuries of careful cultivation and winemaking practices, meant that in 1971 it became Teroldego Rotaliano DOC, the first wine to be made a DOC in Trentino. Teroldego has always been grown in the Campo Rotaliano area with excellent results due to its gravely alluvial plain. According to production regulations, only wines made in the large flat area between the towns of Mezzolombardo, Mezzocorona and Grumo San Michele all’Adige may attain DOC status. Dark ruby red in colour, Teroldego is dry, intense and full-bodied and is perfect with roasted red meats, game and strong cheeses. Some say the name Teroldego is derived from a corruption of tiroler gold. This was the name used in Vienna for wines made from this grape. Backing up this theory is the fact that Teroldego wine was extremely popular in Austria, Germany and Switzerland at the end of the 18th century. Another version suggests that the name derives from tirelle, the trees or plants which originally supported the vines. Today, Teroldego‚is production zone is essentially limited to the Rotaliano plain in the northern part of the province of Trentino, at the confluence of the Noce and Adige rivers. Teroldego Rotaliano DOC, which may be called either Rosso or Rubino on the label, has a minimum alcohol level of 11.5°. With an alcohol level of 12°, it may be labelled superiore. If it has at least two years of ageing, it may be called riserva. Ruby with purple highlights. Zesty acidity. On the nose are scents of raspberry and black pepper. The wine has good body and is very lively on the palate. On the palate, it has a tart cherry flavour and an almondy note on the finish.