Merlot Riserva 'Vigna Kastelaz' Elena Walch 2023
The Merlot Riserva 'Vigna Kastelaz' by Elena Walch is an elegant expression of Merlot, one of the flagship wines of the winery. With a soft and velvety sip, supported by well-integrated tannins and a juicy character that returns to the nose thanks to intense notes of ripe red fruit, this wine is suitable to be enjoyed immediately alongside important dishes based on red meat and game, or to be left to rest in the cellar for several years to express its great finesse at its best
The Merlot Riserva "Vigna Kastelaz" by Elena Walch is born from the conscious work of Elena and her daughters Julia and Karoline, who have been able to best interpret the Alto Adige territorial characteristics and enhance the native grape varieties. The work philosophy has always been directed towards environmental sustainability: the wines must be the maximum expression of their land of origin, and their quality is given by a respectful work in the vineyard and cellar regarding the raw material and its growth and development phases. Today, the winery is recognized as one of the best centers for wine production in Alto Adige at both national and international levels.
The grapes of the Merlot Riserva "Vigna Kastelaz" by Elena Walch grow in the Vigna Kastelaz located near Termeno. The exposure is completely south-facing, perfect for ensuring that the sun's rays constantly reach the clusters, guaranteeing a complete aromatic profile at the time of harvest; the altitude is about 360 meters above sea level, and the soil consists of limestone, moraine stone, and reddish sediments from the so-called Werfen layers. The summers are warm and mild, while the winters are cold, snowy, with sudden frosts. The grapes are harvested by hand; alcoholic fermentation takes place in steel with subsequent maceration on the skins for 10 days and malolactic fermentation in wood. It ages for 18 months in barrique.
The Merlot Riserva "Vigna Kastelaz" by Elena Walch presents itself in the glass with a ruby red color and brilliant reflections. On the nose, there are hints of berries such as raspberry, red currant, and wild violet petals, combined with spicy notes of white pepper; on the palate, the sip is fresh, balanced and enveloping with a fresh and mineral finish that balances the structure and invites drinking. It pairs perfectly with cuts of red meat cooked in stew or grilled and local game; also interesting with typical smoked cured meats. Ideal for accompanying the family holiday table and enjoying a traditional product that reflects the local winemaking history.