Elena Walch "Vigna Kastelaz" Gewurztraminer DOC 2023
(Alto Adige, Italy) - [VM 92] [JS 92] [WS 92]

About 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.

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 approach. Today, the responsibility for the family business is in the hands of the Elena’s daughters, Julia and Karoline.

With 90 hectares of vines, including the two most representative, VIGNA Castel Ringberg in Caldaro und VIGNA Kastelaz in Tramin, Elena Walch is one of the most important producers in Alto Adige.

The estate is internationally respected for varietal wines sourced from multiple proprietary locations, ‘Vigna’ wines from some of the most acclaimed sites in the valley and award-winning, top cuvees such as the renowned “Beyond the Clouds.”

About the Wine:
The recognized single vineyard Vigna site of “Kastelaz” dominates the landscape of the wine village of Tramin. The term „Vigna“ is an additional denomination of origin, recognizing a precisely demarcated and cartographically recorded single vineyard. Sloped at an imposing 63 percent with a rare full Southern exposure, this narrowly terraced vineyard scales from 330 to 380 meters above sea level on a layered structure of loose limestone soils, interspersed with post-glacial sand, granite and porphyry. The best elements of Alto Adige viticulture are further magnified here, as the south-facing position grants even more of the region’s ubiquitous sunshine, while strong winds and altitude engender very cool evening temperatures. From here, Elena Walch exclusively bottles two top wines, a ripe yet elegant Merlot Riserva Vigna „Kastelaz“ and an internationally-recognized Gewürztraminer Vigna „Kastelaz“ that powerfully reflects the unique growing conditions the vineyard presents. 

Very carefully selected, fully ripe grapes get selected, picked in two harvests. Before pressing, the crushed berries are cold macerated for 6 hours, after which the juice is clarified by refrigeration and natural sedimentation. Fermentation is activated using selected yeasts and the temperature is controlled at 18°C. The young wine remains on its lees for several months. 

Alcohol: 14.5%

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Gewürztraminer Vigna Kastelaz blends the variety's exoticism with refinement. Sweet herbs and tropical florals complement hints of kiwi. It reverberates with zesty acidity and crisp mineral tones as perfumed orchard fruits and a twang of green melon swirl throughout. Long and staining, the 2023 leaves a staining primary concentration and minty freshness that lingers. This is built for the cellar." - Eric Guido (Dec 2025)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"An aromatic wine full of rose water, apricots and white roses. It’s delicate and graceful. Off-dry style with moderate acidity, light body and a refreshing finish. Drink now." (May 2025)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"There’s richness to this layered Gewürztraminer, with flavors of baked melon, passion fruit and lychee, plus hints of crystallized honey, candied kumquat, fennel seed and green almond. A firm spine of acidity provides fine focus and extends the flavor profile through the long and creamy finish of smoke and spices. Drink now through 2035. 1,200 cases made." - Alison Napjus (Dec 2025)