I am always excited when trying new grape varieties and when we are talking about an Italian grape variety for which Australia only has four acres planted we are talking about something incredibly rare. Teroldego, pronounced teh-ROHL-deh-goh, is a cool climate red grape variety that comes primarily from North Eastern Italy.
The wine has a deep, blood red like colour in the glass and yet not a lot was happening on the nose for me. If I sat and sniffed my nostrils off for long enough I bet I could come up with something to say but I’d be wasting some quality drinking time. There is definitely nothing faint about its flavours and Raspberry was one of the first things that came to mind. Other big fruit flavours are noticeable as is the tannin in this wine. Regular readers of my wine reviews may note this is the first time I have ever used the word tannin in a wine review. However, to not at least mention it in relation to this wine would almost seem ‘BS’ as it so prominent when experiencing this wine.
For those of you who see references to tannin in wine reviews and wonder what the hell they are talking about then try this wine. You’ll get a great example of their presence when you feel the inside walls of your cheeks dry out and create an almost puckering of the mouth with a bitter aftertaste as you swallow. I’ve had other Italian red wines, like young Barolo’s, that make the tannin in this Teroldego look pretty tame. However, for a well priced Australian made wine this is a good example of prominent tannin without being over the top or unpleasant.
Overall this is a truly enjoyable, full bodied wine that I have no hesitation in recommending. You’d better be quick though, as only 70 cases of this vintage exist and with just over 2 acres currently planted by Blue Poles Vineyards future vintages are likely to be just as rare!
Blue Poles Vineyard 2009 Teroldego
Price - $30 from www.bluepolesvineyard.com.au
Region - Margaret River, Western Australia
Final Sip - I’d definitely buy this wine to enjoy again now, but I’d love to see what it is like in 8-10 years time and I bet it would even hold up a few years beyond that as well!
