THE WINERY: Elena Walch is a 5-generation family-run estate in Alto Adige, a region in the northeast part of Italy that led the wine quality revolution in the area and has gained a prominent international reputation. The philosophy of the estate is dedicated to its terroir – the idea that wines must be the individual expression of their soil, climate, and cultivation in the vineyard – and that this must be maintained according to principles of sustainability and passed on to the next generation. The firm belief that the quality of wine is created in the vineyard requires uncompromising work, taking into account the individuality of each vineyard. With 90 hectares in cultivation, including the two top vineyards VIGNA Castel Ringberg in Caldaro and VIGNA Kastelaz in Tramin, Elena Walch belongs to the most important protagonists of Alto Adige winemaking.

THE WINE: The Pinot Bianco “Kristallberg” has been part of the Elena Walch portfolio since 2015. The goal is to find the best terroir for each grape variety, allowing for the creation of complex wines. The value of having vineyards in varied locations, altitudes, and exposures within a single estate is immeasurable, as it allows for the unique characteristics of each wine to shine through.

Climate change challenges winemakers, as shown in our Pinot Bianco production. We’ve bought a vineyard at 600m altitude between Tramin and Kaltern to ensure future fresh Pinot Bianco. The new “Kristallberg” Pinot Bianco, from these high-altitude vineyards, exhibits its complex, vertical, and mineral typicity.

The 2022 vintage brings high-quality grapes to our cellar, thanks to a warm and stable summer. A warm spring initiated early flowering, followed by a dry and hot summer. Despite the drought, our irrigation systems and technology ensured the health of the grapes. The result is high-quality, mature grapes with balanced acidity values, achieved through targeted foliage work and an early harvest. The first grapes, hand-picked as always, were harvested at the end of August. The wines promise complexity, structure, and excellent fruitiness.

Gentle pressing, followed by static clarification through refrigeration of the must. Fermentation partially occurs in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 20°C. 40% of the fermentation happens in medium oak casks of 25 hl each, while 20% occurs in French barrique barrels. The rest ferments and matures in stainless steel for another five months. The assemblage is then carried out in the summer of the following year.

“Our Pinot Bianco ‘Kristallberg’ is a mineral-rich wine. It has a bright, fresh straw yellow color and a fruity aroma with fresh pears and white stone fruits. It also has spicy notes with green walnuts and smoky and mineral aromas in the background. This wine is elegant on the palate but also has a juicy freshness, youthful vitality, and stirring acidity. This partially barrel-fermented wine is an exciting new addition!” –Elena Walch