Elisabetta Foradori started biodynamic cultivation in 2002 and has inspired many colleagues nationwide. She is celebrated worldwide as the "Queen of Teroldego". The 28-hectare vineyard in Mezzolombardo is now run by her children Emilio, Theo and Myrtha Zierock: Emilio manages the wine production, Theo the business and gardener Myrtha takes care of the cultivation.
"For us, joining the respekt group means first and foremost dialogue and confrontation on a common basis of values. Exchange with a community of colleagues in a different cultural, ecological and social context – that's what we think is necessary," explains Emilio Zierock. In recent years, the family's holistic thinking has also led to the biodynamic cultivation of vegetables and the breeding of Tyrolean grey cattle for cheese production.
"We grow in a very targeted way – and always with a view to our high quality standards and harmonious togetherness. Elisabetta and Emilio are a valuable addition and finally strengthen my back as the only Italian respekt member so far," the group's president, Michael Goëss-Enzenberg from the Manincor winery on Lake Caldaro, commercialises with a wink. One criterion for membership is the ability to speak German, so that the exchange remains relaxed and uncomplicated. Therefore, future Italian members will also be limited to the South Tyrolean region.
The respekt-BIODYN group, founded in 2007, now comprises 26 members in Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary: Paul Achs, Judith Beck, Busch, Christmann, Feiler-Artinger, Foradori, Fritsch, Martin & Georg Fußer, Manincor, Gsellmann, Hajszan Neumann, Gernot & Heike Heinrich, Hirsch, Leiner, Loimer, Anita & Hans Nittnaus, Ott, Gerhard & Brigitte Pittnauer, Claus Preisinger, Sattlerhof, Ökonomierat Rebholz, Dr. Wehrheim, Weninger, Wieninger, Wittmann and Herbert Zillinger.
Altogether, the winegrowers cultivate an area of almost 900 hectares. The goal of the group is the common search for even more quality and individuality in wine. In recent years, the respekt-BIODYN association has established itself internationally as a driving force in biodynamic viticulture, alongside Demeter and Biodyvin. vc
