Foradori "Fontanasanta" Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2024

The Foradori Manzoni Bianco slowly awakens in the glass as nuances of gravel dust and wet concrete blow off to reveal a pretty blend of ginger-infused peaches and lime zest. This opens with noticeable weight yet quickly firms up as a pop of brisk acidity and salty minerals meld with tart orchard fruits. Zesty and intense, almost saline, the wine forces the mouth to water as exotic inner florals slowly fade. A super-youthful, fragrant and crispy white focused on citrus fruit and wet wool. Flinty depth. This has a savory, vibrant and mineral palate, crisp acidity and light body. Clean, precise finish.

The hill overlooking Trento, with its clay-limestone soils, welcomes the Manzoni Bianco and matures the grapes in late September. The character of the Fontanasanta vineyards is expressed through this hybrid grape, born of a mix of Riesling with Pinot Bianco. Its ability to evolve over time requires patience. Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco is a wine that really comes into its own at least three years after harvest.

Fermentation on the skins in cement tanks, followed by seven months of aging in acacia casks. Ripe apples, tangerine, and white blossoms - fascinating beeswax and dried lemon rinds on the finish. 

Azienda Agricola Foradori, located in the northern Italian region of Alto Adige, is one of the country's most respected and renowned wineries, with a deep-rooted history in producing indigenous grape varieties, particularly Teroldego. The estate was founded in 1901, but its modern legacy began when Elisabetta Foradori took over in 1984 following her father's passing. At 19 years old, she embarked on a mission to revitalize the family estate, modernize its practices, and elevate its wines, bringing them to international recognition.

Elisabetta is celebrated for her pioneering work with the Teroldego grape, an indigenous variety that was largely overlooked at the time. She recognized its potential and devoted herself to refining its expression through organic and biodynamic farming, eventually becoming a symbol of this renaissance. Over the years, she has become a prominent voice for biodynamics, leading by example through her commitment to farming with respect for the land, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

A significant milestone came in the early 2000s when the Foradori estate officially converted to biodynamic farming. This transition was more than a change in agricultural techniques; it was a philosophical shift toward creating wines deeply connected to their terroir, which expresses the land's natural cycles. Elisabetta's focus on biodiversity, soil health and minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar reflects her dedication to crafting wines with integrity and a sense of place.