Foradori, Lezer 2025

Foradori, Lezer 2025 Demeter certified biodynamic red wine from Trentino. Nestled in the foothills of the dolomites lies the 30 hectare estate of Agricola Foradori (4 hectares dedicated to the Lezer). Traditionally this area has been dominated by big co operatives and therfore there has been a lean towards conventional agriculture. Foradori, however have long been a bastion of biodynamic farming and have been demeter certified since 2009.

The Vines for the Lezer average around 30 years old and are planted in alluvial/gravel soils. The must is fermented in a combination of cement tanks, wooden barrels and terracotta amphorae giving it layers of complexity and never spends more than 24 hours on the skins. The wine is then matured for 4 months in the aformentioned vessels with the end result being a lovely light enticing red wine.

84% Teroldego the rest are local grapes to the area, light bodied, extremely moreish but with a definite serious edge to it. Beautifully light in colour, (“Lezer”) simply means light in the local Trentino dialect) think of raspberry sorbet with a twist of wild herbs. A wine that lends itself incredibly well to being chilled and enjoyed ideally with a nice cheese and charcuterie board.

The Campo Rotaliano is near San Michele all’Adige, on the right bank of the Adige River, a wide plain which unfolds beneath the mountains. It is a beautiful and majestic place at the heart of the cultural and linguistic melting pot which is the Trentino/Alto Adige. The vast region of Northern Italy is really two regions in one, covered with high mountains peaks, sweeping valleys and incredible vistas. There are plenty of vines all over the region with notable differences between the Trentino to the South and the Alto Adige further north. This central belt around the towns of Mezzolombardo and Mezzocorona is where the Teroldego grape has found its home. It is a grape that gives generous, full bodied and robust red wines which match perfectly the hearty foods of the region. This deep coloured grape is vigorous and needs heavy pruning to keep the yield down and quality up. It has been planted here probably since the 14th Century and is the cornerstone of Trentino wine.

In 1985 Elisabetta Foradori started her work to recover this ancient variety’s clonal diversity which had been lost due to the homogenisation of farming practises. Since then she has become the benchmark for quality in the area and in large part is responsible for the revival of Teroldego as a serious grape and wine. Her entry point Teroldego is a supple red of medium acidity, deep colour and strength. Balance and freshness back up the dark fruits and spice. The other reds raise the bar and are very wines which reward long ageing. The whites and orange are structured and full bodied. The Azienda is certified Biodynamic and purity runs through all the wines.