THE WINERY: Elena Walch is a 5-generation family-run estate in Alto Adige, a region in the North-East 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.

Sites with warmer temperatures are located on limestone soils mixed with clay and sand on both sides of the ridge, facing both southeast and southwest. Strict selection is applied.

Despite a challenging growing season with fluctuating warm and cool periods and some rain, we’ve had a great harvest due to favorable weather conditions. After a warm June and July, high rainfall in early August allowed the grapes to ripen for a longer period under sunny conditions. Harvest started late in early September with good weather, which only turned unstable towards the end. The warm days and cool nights helped the grapes achieve perfect ripeness with balanced acidity levels and clear fruit, resulting in good structure.

The fermentation process is controlled at a traditional temperature for around 10 days in stainless steel tanks. This is followed by malolactic fermentation in French and Slavonian oak barrels of 70 and 22hl sizes. The maturation process then takes place in large wooden barrels.

Our Elena Walch Lagrein shines with a dense, deep garnet red color. The complex bouquet is subtly spiced, with hints of cocoa, wild berries, and sweet cherries in the background. Noticeable tannin structure, smooth richness, elegant yet robust character, and a youthful freshness define the palate, culminating in a long, juicy finish.