Italy is home to over 800 varieties of viniferous grapes, some extremely rare. It's mountainous topography and diverse geology have created some of the worlds most unique microclimates. One such area of noteworthy distinction is the Campo Rotaliano in Northern Trentino. It's a small relatively flat glacial vale around the confluence of the Adige and Noce rivers. It's part of an important wine production area between Mezzolombardo and Mezzacorona. The Campo Rotaliano is somewhat of an archipelago being hemmed in and protected by mountains on all sides. It's name may have derived from the resettlement of the longobard barbarians under king Rothari in the 7th century or in describing the geological formation of the round stones found in the valley. As the glacial mass moved through the limestone gap between the mountains it acted like a giant mill, grinding out the gravely limestone soil thus creating the valley floor. Subsequent silting from the cyclical torrents of the Adige and Noce rivers added to the alluvial river basin. The resulting composite of silt and gravel and protected weather offer the ideal conditions in which to grow the rare teroldego grape. Attempts to grow the sensitive teroldego elsewhere have generally been met with failure.

The Campo Rotaliano is more or less the boundary for the tiny production zone designated as the Teroldego Rotaliano D.O.C. Teroldego Rotaliano is called the Prince of Trentino wines. Because of it's rarity and unique character. When handled properly, Teroldego produces an ageworthy wine of intense color, aroma and flavor. Teroldego wines have a fascinating yin and yang interplay of rich fruit and earthy tar and savory flavors. This dichotomy of aromas and flavors offers a wine of extremely unique character and complexity.


Counted among the Campo Rotaliano's most accomplished producers of Teroldego are the Zeni brothers, Andrea and Roberto. The Zeni family has been producing wine in the tiny hamlet of Grumo di S.Michele all'Adige since the time the Trentino was part of Austria. Today the Zeni's operate a modern winery/distillery complex and are one of the largest producers of Teroldego in the Campo Rotaliano. Zeni Teroldego Rotalino is dark garnet in color with a prominent nose of black current and earthy fungus backed by occasional herbal notes and the scent of violets. On the palate it is rich and harmoneous with a certain mineral and mushroom quality that gives way to a burst of dried papaya, caramel and spice. It's flavors are uniquely transcendent yet round and supple. Zeni Teroldego offers a great opportunity for anyone wanting an extraordinary wine experience.