Cabernet 'Istrice' Elena Walch 2024
The Cabernet "Istrice" is the first red wine by Elena Walch, and takes its name from the spiny character of its early versions, mainly composed of Cabernet Franc blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, after a wise winemaking effort, "Istrice" is a soft and juicy wine, extremely fragrant, that captivates with its bouquet of berries and sweet spices and a slight note of chocolate due to the long aging in wood
The Cabernet “Istrice” by Elena Walch originates in Alto Adige in the small village of Termeno in the northernmost part of our peninsula. Elena founded the business in 1985, revolutionizing the quality and production methods of South Tyrol, earning great recognition at both national and international levels. The working philosophy has always remained linked to enhancing the territorial potential and native grape varieties: only a respectful approach to nature, its rhythms, and the ecosystem of which her vineyards are part has led to the quality that is still found today in every single product that leaves her cellar. Today she is supported by her two daughters Julia and Karoline: a female-led management that looks to the future and continuous improvement.
The vineyards of Cabernet “Istrice” by Elena Walch are located in Caldaro and their altitude reaches 400 meters above sea level; they extend over about 20 hectares fully planted with vines, and the soil is mainly composed of limestone, clay, and moraine stone with sporadic presence of sand. The climate is characterized by pleasant springs with still snow on the mountains and hot, sunny summers with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night for grapes with excellent aromatic qualities; winters are harsh with heavy snowfall. The grapes are harvested by hand; in the cellar, fermentation takes place in steel with 10 days of maceration on the skins; malolactic fermentation follows in barrel. It matures for 12 months in wood and rests in bottle for a long period.
The color of Cabernet “Istrice” by Elena Walch is a garnet red with intense reflections. On the nose, one can perceive notes of berries and ripe cherries with hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and chocolate; on the palate, it is flavorful, juicy and enveloping with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant final persistence. It pairs perfectly with grilled cuts of red meat, game, and first courses with elaborate sauces; also interesting with mixed cured meats of medium aging. Interesting for accompanying the family holiday table and enjoying the genuine flavors of the South Tyrolean land.