'Beyond The Clouds Argentum Bonum' Elena Walch 2017
Rare winesThe 'Beyond The Clouds Argentum Bonum' by Elena Walch is an Alto Adige white of extraordinary refinement, the result of a selection of Chardonnay grapes and other white berry varieties. A peculiarity of this refined wine is the long aging in bottle before its market launch, between 5 and 7 years in a silver mine at 2,000 meters altitude! The brilliant golden yellow color introduces a rich bouquet of pineapple, apricot, and lychee, enhanced by spicy and floral notes. On the palate, it expresses fullness and softness, perfectly balanced by typical mountain freshness and a mineral profile. A true gem from Alto Adige
The Beyond The Clouds 'Argentum Bonum' represents one of the most prestigious labels by Elena Walch, a renowned South Tyrolean winemaker who, together with her daughters Julia and Karoline, produces exceptional wines at the pinnacle of the region's quality. Compared to the classic 'Beyond The Clouds,' the 'Argentum Bonum' label benefits from an extensive bottle aging process of 5-7 years inside a disused silver mine in Val Ridanna, located at an astonishing altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. This mine, historically dedicated to silver extraction, lends its name to the bottle. As evidenced by a document dated 1237 and signed by the Counts of Tyrol, the silver from Val Ridanna has been recognized since ancient times as among the finest in Europe.
The Beyond The Clouds Elena Walch 'Argentum Bonum' originates from a solid base of Chardonnay grapes combined with other white grape varieties, selected from the best parcels of the vintage. The vineyards are planted on calcareous soils with rocks and gravel, at an altitude of 350 to 500 meters above sea level. The different grape varieties are hand-harvested together and vinified as white wine through gentle pressing, followed by alcoholic fermentation of the must in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for approximately 10 months in French barriques, followed by 5-7 years of bottle aging in the historic silver mine of Val Ridanna. Here, total darkness, the 2,000-meter altitude, a constant temperature, and 95% humidity create the ideal conditions for the slow and optimal evolution of the wine.
The 'Argentum Bonum' Beyond The Clouds by Elena Walch boasts a beautiful golden yellow color. Its rich and broad aromatic profile reveals notes of pineapple, apricot, lychee, and melon, enhanced by hints of sweet spices and floral tones. The palate is full and soft, perfectly balanced by bright freshness and a firm saline streak, culminating in a finish of great persistence and refined elegance.