Teroldego

Summary

Teroldego is Trentino’s most important indigenous red grape variety, producing deeply colored, powerfully structured wines from the Campo Rotaliano plain. With approximately 600 hectares planted almost exclusively in this small area, the variety creates wines with intense dark fruit, distinctive bitter almond notes, and firm tannins. The variety’s importance extends beyond its regional significance: DNA studies have confirmed Teroldego as a parent of Syrah (Teroldego × Dureza), making it ancestral to one of the world’s most celebrated red varieties. This genetic discovery has elevated Teroldego’s status from regional curiosity to viticulturally significant variety.

Identity & Synonyms

VIVC: Entry #12426
Berry Color: NOIR

Primary Synonyms:

Teroldego Rotaliano (full appellation name)
Teroldico (historical)
Tiraldola (historical)

Name Origin: Possibly from “Tiroler Gold” (Tyrolean Gold), though etymology disputed. May derive from local dialect term.

Genetic Origin

Origin: Trentino, Italy (Campo Rotaliano plain)

Critical Discovery: PARENT OF SYRAH (Teroldego × Dureza confirmed by DNA analysis, Vouillamoz et al. 2006)

This remarkable finding means Teroldego is ancestral to:

Syrah (directly)
All Syrah offspring (Durif, Maréchal Foch, etc.)

Related Varieties:

Lagrein (same genetic family; possibly sibling or half-sibling)
Marzemino (related; Trentino family)

See also: Tannin Extraction Analysis for techniques with high-tannin varieties.

Historical: Documented in Trentino since the 15th century; has remained geographically isolated, preserving genetic integrity.

Global Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~600 hectares

Country	Hectares	Primary Regions
Italy	~580	Trentino (Campo Rotaliano)
USA	~15	California (experimental)
Australia	~5	Various (experimental)

Geographic Concentration: Teroldego is remarkably concentrated—nearly all plantings are within the small Campo Rotaliano plain (approximately 450 hectares), making it one of the most geographically limited major varieties.

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

Vigor: High (requires careful management)
Growth Habit: Semi-erect to spreading
Budbreak: Late (excellent frost protection)
Flowering: Mid-season
Véraison: Late
Harvest: Mid to late October

Cluster and Berry

Cluster Size: Large, cylindrical-conical
Cluster Density: Compact to very compact
Berry Size: Medium
Skin Thickness: Thick (high anthocyanins)
Skin Color: Blue-black with heavy bloom

Climate Requirements

Ideal Climate: Continental Alpine with warm summers
Heat Summation: 1,600-1,900 GDD (base 10°C)
Unique Microclimate: Campo Rotaliano benefits from:
- Protection from cold Alpine winds (mountain barriers)
- Warm air from Lake Garda
- Excellent drainage from alluvial gravels
- Significant diurnal variation

The Campo Rotaliano Terroir

The unique terroir of Campo Rotaliano is essential to Teroldego’s character:

Location: Flat alluvial plain at 200-250m altitude
Soils: Deep alluvial gravels from the Noce River
Drainage: Exceptional
Microclimate: Protected, warm pocket in Alpine region
History: Viticulture documented since Roman times

Soil Preferences

Ideal: Alluvial gravel with excellent drainage (Campo Rotaliano)
Acceptable: Sandy-loam with good drainage
Avoid: Heavy clay, waterlogged soils
Effect: Gravelly soils control vigor and enhance concentration

Disease Susceptibility

Downy Mildew: Moderate to high susceptibility
Powdery Mildew: Moderate susceptibility
Botrytis: High susceptibility (compact clusters)
Drought: Moderate tolerance

Viticultural Management

Training: Traditional pergola (pergola trentina) - historically; increasing use of VSP/Guyot
Pruning: Moderate bud load; 8-12 buds per vine
Yield Control: Essential; high yields dilute quality
DOCG Yield: Maximum 12 tonnes/ha (reduced for Superiore)
Canopy Management: Leaf removal for botrytis prevention

Rootstock Compatibility

Preferred: Kober 5BB, SO4 (moderate vigor control)
Compatible: 420A, 110R
Consideration: Manage vigor on fertile alluvial soils

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Optimal Range	Notes
Brix	22-25°	Achieves moderate-high alcohol
pH	3.3-3.6	Moderate
Titratable Acidity	5.5-7.0 g/L	Good structure
YAN	180-250 mg/L	Generally adequate

Phenolic Profile

Anthocyanins: VERY HIGH (intense color)
Total Tannins: High (firm, structured)
Key Anthocyanins: High malvidin-3-glucoside, peonidin
Tannin Quality: Fine-grained when properly managed

Aroma Compounds

Methoxypyrazines: Moderate (can show green notes if underripe)
C13-Norisoprenoids: β-damascenone, β-ionone
Terpenes: Minor contribution
Distinctive: Benzaldehyde derivatives (bitter almond character)

The Bitter Almond Character

Teroldego’s distinctive bitter almond finish comes from:

Benzaldehyde: Present in skins and seeds
Extraction: Enhanced by longer maceration
Management: Part of varietal character; not a fault
Food Pairing: Complements foods with similar notes

Fermentation

Yeast Selection: Robust strains; preserve fruit character
Temperature: 26-30°C
Duration: 10-18 days
Maceration: Extended (14-21 days) for full extraction
Cap Management: Regular punch-downs or pump-overs

Malolactic Fermentation

Timing: Post-alcoholic fermentation
Completion: Essential for softening
Temperature: 18-22°C

Oak Aging

Traditional: Large Slavonian oak (botti)
Modern: French barriques increasingly used
Duration: 12-24 months
Superiore: Minimum 24 months total aging
Effect: Oak rounds tannins; adds complexity

Wine Styles

Style	Aging	Character
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC	Minimal	Fresh, fruity, immediate
Superiore	24+ months	Complex, structured, age-worthy
Riserva	Extended	Premium, cellar-worthy

Sensory Profile

Visual

Intensity: Very deep, nearly opaque
Hue: Purple-black with violet rim
Aging: Maintains color well

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Fruit	Blackberry, black cherry, plum, blueberry
Floral	Violet, dried flowers
Spice	Black pepper, licorice
Herbal	Herbs, eucalyptus hints
Earth	Graphite, tar, mineral
Distinctive	BITTER ALMOND (signature)
Aged	Coffee, chocolate, leather, tobacco

Palate

Body: Full
Acidity: Medium to medium-high
Tannins: Firm, well-structured
Finish: Long with characteristic bitter almond
Alcohol: Moderate to high (13-14.5%)

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

Vigor Control: High vigor on fertile soils
Botrytis Risk: Compact clusters susceptible
Color Stability: Very dark initially; manage extraction
Bitter Almond: Balance varietally with other elements
Limited Market: Regional recognition only

Opportunities

Syrah Parentage: Marketing potential from genetic link
Quality Renaissance: Increasing focus on terroir expression
Unique Character: No direct competitor
Age-Worthiness: Excellent cellaring potential
Price-Quality: Undervalued for quality level

Winemaking Tips

Harvest at full phenolic ripeness to avoid green notes
Extended maceration enhances complexity
Manage extraction to avoid over-tannining
Oak aging essential for balance
Consider extended bottle aging before release

Key Appellation

Teroldego Rotaliano DOC

Established: 1971 (DOC)
Location: Campo Rotaliano plain (Mezzocorona, Mezzolombardo, San Michele all’Adige)
Area: ~450 hectares
Varietal: Minimum 90% Teroldego
Styles: Rosso, Rosato, Superiore

Quality Tiers

Tier	Requirements
Base	No aging requirement
Superiore	24 months aging; lower yields
Riserva	Extended aging; selection

Food Pairing

Teroldego’s structure and bitter almond character pair with:

Speck Alto Adige (local cured ham)
Canederli (bread dumplings)
Braised meats and stews
Grilled sausages
Aged mountain cheeses
Dark chocolate (bitter almond synergy)

Comparison with Genetic Relatives

Characteristic	Teroldego	Syrah	Lagrein
Relationship	Parent	Offspring	Sibling/Cousin
Color	Very Deep	Deep	Very Deep
Tannins	High	Medium-High	High
Acidity	Medium	Medium	Medium-High
Key Note	Bitter Almond	Pepper	Chocolate

Research Notes

The 2006 Vouillamoz discovery of Teroldego as Syrah’s parent has significant implications:

Teroldego preserves ancient genetic material
The Dureza parent is nearly extinct
Understanding Teroldego helps explain Syrah characteristics
Conservation efforts important for genetic preservation

Sources

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). Wine Grapes. Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Vouillamoz, J., & Grando, M.S. (2006). Genealogy of wine grape cultivars: Pinot is related to Syrah. Heredity 97. DOI: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800842
Consorzio Vini del Trentino
Mattivi, F., et al. (2006). Teroldego Rotaliano: Phenolic composition and sensory profile. OENO One 40(1). OENO Link

Last Updated: January 13, 2026