Why taste Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco? We’ve been following this producer for some time now. Here we included our notes about tasting two different vintages: 2019 and 2022.
The Dolomite Region
The IGT title is named after the Dolomite Mountains, which dominate most of the territory here. Vineyards are scattered among the peaks and valleys of the foothills at altitudes, creating cool nighttime temperatures and warm, sunny days.
The Winery and the Winemaker
The original Foradori vineyards were purchased by her grandfather in 1939, passed to her father, who died when she was only 18, and maintained by her mother until she could finish university.
When she was just 20, Elisabetta Foradori found herself in charge of the family winery – based in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains in Trentino, way back in 1984.
At a time when “nobody spoke about local varieties,” she took a chance, producing her first vintage of Teroldego from a seven-acre vineyard of old vines.
Manzoni Bianco
Manzoni Bianco is a hybrid, born of a mix of Riesling with Pinot Bianco, a variety bred by Luigi Manzoni in the 1920-30s. This white wine grape is usually used in the production of still, dry whites, many of which are full-bodied yet fresh, with spiced, floral characters and a touch of minerality.
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco 2019 Vigneti Delle Dolomiti
A complex nose that develops with air excites you with alpine herbs, oranges, white flowers, apricot skin, nuts, sweet pea, green bean, ocean water, and bee pollen.
Consistently, on the palate, it offers beautiful herbal notes, sweet pea, orange peel, vanilla, ripe lemon, and salt.
The structure pleases you with the mild acidity and a long finish featuring lemon, sea salt, and orange rind.
Overall, it is a complex wine with a lingering finish. Muscadet, Chablis, or a dry Alsatian white? Maybe somewhere in between.
We see it paired with oysters more than with anything else. Oyster Rockefeller appetizer would compliment this wine well.
We tasted it with poached fish and fresh salad with feta cheese.
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco 2022
The Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco 2022 is a compelling expression of its origin, showcasing the nuances that distinguish it from the acclaimed 2019 vintage.
In 2022, a warmer growing season has imparted a greater depth of fruit flavor, presenting an alluring bouquet of ripe stone fruits, alongside the signature alpine herbs and white flowers. This vintage reveals a refreshing minerality that elevates its aromatic profile, while the palate is met with vibrant acidity, a hallmark of its terroir, balanced by intriguing notes of fresh thyme and lime zest.
In contrast, the 2019 bottling charms with its softer emphasis on apricot and orange peel, delivering a more delicate herbal character. The finish lingers with a classic blend of lemon and sea salt, though the 2022 edition elevates this finish with a brightness that feels invigorating.
To appreciate the evolution of these vintages, visit wineswinging.com for an in-depth comparison. Explore the artistry of Foradori’s winemaking journey!
