ELENA WALCH
Near the Austrian border, just south of Bolzano is the estate of Elena Walch...
Elena Walch is a leading Alto Adige wine estate, in family hands, and belongs to the elite in Italian wine production, with international success.
With 60 hectares in cultivation, including the two top vineyards VIGNA Castel Ringberg in Caldaro und VIGNA Kastelaz in Tramin, Elena Walch belongs to the most important protagonists of Alto Adige winemaking.
An architect by trade, Elena Walch married into one of the oldest and most significant wine families of the region and brought new, modern concepts to the traditional establishment. Now, the responsibility for the family business is being put into the hands of the daughters, Julia and Karoline Walch, already the fifth generation.
Vigna Kastelaz is a post-glacial alluvial cone which has formed below the summit of the dolomite Mendola ridge. Resting on the reddish sediment of the Werfener strata, the vineyard is a layered aggregation of various soils and rock carried along by the rivers coming from the mountain: Vigna Kastelaz largely consists of scree which has been deposited over centuries and which is pervaded by raw rock such as granite and porphyry as well as by several humus layers.
Elena Walch’s two VIGNA are the vineyards of Vigna Kastelaz and Vigna Castel Ringberg: Both recognized for generations for their unique terroir and for decades produced and commercialized by using the name of the same single vineyard they derive from.
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.
The imposing location above the wine village of Tramin is one of the rarest, exclusive Southern exposures in Alto Adige – since most of the vineyards in the region follow the valley, facing East or West. The vineyard terraces at around 360m above sea level are planted with Gewürztraminer and Merlot. Here, close rows of medium planting density and extremely low yield produce the finest wines. In concert, the light chalky soils together with the special climatic and microclimatic conditions of the warm Southern exposure bring forth terroir wines which continually deserve the predicate of “uniqueness”.
Castel Ringberg has the prestigious additional denomination of VIGNA. It is an additional mention of a smaller geographical origin and designs the smallest historical / geographical unit of a vineyard. Every single Vigna must be officially admitted and registered within the regional government. It expresses the ultimate thought of terroir philosophy with the idea of a parcel wine from an exact plot and hence having a historical or traditional name.
Vigna Castel Ringberg is a unique point of intersection between various soils from glacial and post-glacial times which rest on a rhyolite plate and are accompanied by the towering dolomite rock of the Mendola ridge to the west. The steep slopes on the north flank are 30,000-year-old gravel from the Adige River which alternate, in some places, with overlying 20,000-year-old calciferous and fertile moraine soils. In the south as well as in the north of the vineyard, the major areas are loose reddish limestone debris which provides well-aired and easy rooting soil for the grapevine roots.
On the questions "YR" is the owner of the wine estate Elena Walch
1 - The history of creating your favorite white (yellow color) wine.
With the beginn of the new millenary, the 2000’s, I was thinking of creating a white blend which would crown my production of white wines: the idea of first white Alto Adige Supercuvée was born, the Grande Cuvée „Beyond the Clouds“. It is the selection of the best grapes of every vintage, different varieties which ferment together and age in barrique. An elegant, Chardonnay based wine reflecting the attraction of each vintage. „Beyond the Clouds“ is today one of Italy’s white icon wines and I am happy I entered into the new millenary with such a beautiful wine.
2 - Do you prefer (it's important for you) the color of the wine?
The color is what you see first of a wine, the first perception of what is awaiting for you in the glass and a promise of the first sip. This is why the color is so essential for me, one of the most important moments when enjoying a glass of wine!
3 - What is your favorite wine (red or white)? And why?
The question is a litte bit tricky. My preferences are depending of my mood and of course of what the kitchen proposes. There must be a harmony.
4 - List, if possible, a set (gift box) of four or six own wines (red and white), which, in your opinion, can be worthy of representing your farm?
Pinot Grigio Selezione
Pinot Grigio Vigna „Castel Ringberg“
Chardonnay „Cardellino“
Grande Cuvée „Beyond the Clouds“
Lagrein Riserva Vigna „Castel Ringberg“
Grande Cuvée „Kermesse“
5 - Is it difficult to manage such a large enterprise as yours? And what are your plans for the future? Do you have the desire to experiment?
Its a matter of concentration to manage everything, but if you have passion, it's not a difficult task. Experimenting new things is something necessary for me, I am a curious person! Two years ago I wanted to learn how to produce wine from high altitude vineyards. It is important to be a step ahead of climate change and to experience with terroirs enhancing more freshness in the grapes. So I planted a vineyard in extreme altitude at about 900m in a small village close to our estate, in the middle of the Dolomite mountains.
6 - Your choice for the "Yellow Road" white (yellow color) wine, 1 or 2 wine ?
Grande cuvée „Beyond the Clouds“
Lagrein Riserva Vigna „Castel Ringberg"
7 - What cultural event would you like to see at home: an exhibition, an opera, a ballet or something else?
Winemaking is an art itself and it can be paired with many artistic activities. In our cellar for example we have hand carved, historical oak barrels where our red Selezione wines mature.
8 - You can offer the most beautiful view (favorite point) on vineyards or the surrounding landscape
Vigna „Castel Ringberg“
9 - ??? (Here you can share what you are most concerned about today)
I am not concerned but confident in the future, I have two daughters who are working with me and in charge of the operational activities. When I see the passion Julia and Karoline bring into the estate I am very positive about the development of our wines and family estate during the next generation.
However, climate change is certainly the most important challenge wine makers are facing in the future.
10 - Your vineyards are located in beautiful places. Have you thought about building your own tourist route (the original) for your vineyards?
In fact we offer vineyard tours to wine lovers. With 20 hectares, our Vigna „Castel Ringberg“ is our most important single vineyard. It surrounds our small renaissance castle and overlooks the lake of Caldaro. Here we have our own path to show the origin of our wines during a vineyard visit and wine tasting at the castle. We offer these tours from May until October on reservation.
11 - Which white wine producer (from Italy or another country) would you recommend for the "Yellow Road“?
Paul Avril from Clos des Papes, Châteauneuf du Pape, produces not only outstanding red wines, but also phenomenal whites.
Sergey Evtuhov,author of the project
