The origins of the name are lost in antiquity.Some believe it derives from a German dialect and means “Gold of the Terol Hills”.In Italy, there is approximately 900 acres of Teroldego grown, almost exclusively on an alluvial plain just north of Venice.In California there are about 400 acres grown.This grape is obscure in Italy…and really obscure in California.This I do not understand, as Teroldego produces a wine that is right in California wine drinkers’ wheelhouse.It is big, rich, soft on the acidity, light on the tannins (although as you probably know from my winemaking style, I like to bring out what tannins there are), with a noticeable licorice flavor in the mid-palate.It’s softer acid and lighter tannin means it works better with lighter pasta dishes.
