The red grape variety probably originates from Trentino-Alto Adige(Italy). Synonyms are Merlina, Merlina Valtelinese, Terodola, Teroldega, Teroldeghe, Teroldego Rotaliano, Teroldela, Teroldico, Teroldigo, Teroldigo Crni, Teroldila, Teroldola, Terolidigo, Tiraldega, Tiraldola, Tirodola, Tiroldegho, Tiroldico and Tiroldigo.
It is probably named after the district of Teroldeghe in the municipality of Mezzolombardo (Trento). According to a second variant, it is derived from the German name "Tiroler Gold" and according to a third from the tar flavour. This very old variety comes from the Rotaliano plain, after which the Teroldego Rotaliano DOC area is named. It was mentioned as early as 1480 in a contract of sale in Trentino and in other documents, such as on the occasion of the Council of Trent (1545-1563). The wines were very popular at the Viennese court during the Habsburg monarchy.
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Thomas Götz
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