Foradori Teroldego Rotaliano 2007

Okay, so some grapes were obviously not named by Madison Avenue. But whenever we find a wine as delightful and distinctive as this ripe, blackberry-flavored red, we happily take on any pronunciation-related challenges that may be involved in offering it to our customers.

The spectacular 1997 Granato has finally arrived. Aged in small barriques, it is an enormously concentrated, massive, full-bodied, rustic, huge, chewy offering with abundant quantities of tarry black fruits drenched in toasty oak. Although far from drinkable, it is a highly promising blockbuster. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring; it should keep for two decades.

Ripe, silky tannins caress the palate as the 2007 Granato emerges from the glass. Crushed, flowers, raspberries and spices meld together beautifully in this mid-weight, gracious Granato. Today the aromas and flavors are quite primary, but the wine should harmonize to a greater extent with another year or two in bottle. Subtle notes of oak linger on the elegant, polished finish. This is another superb Granato from Elisabetta Foradori. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.

Even better than I remember. Still very ruby, with a black center. It's rich with berry, tar and black licorice aromas and hints of mint and spice. Full-bodied. Tannins are polished and refined, giving the wine a silky texture. Long and flavorful yet subtle. It's just beginning to be ready but I would give it a few more years. Best after 2009.