Elena Walch Vigna Castel Ringberg Sauvignon Blanc DOC 2022
(Trentino Alto Adige, Italy)

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 “Castel Ringberg” vineyard, named after the Renaissance castle built by the Habsburgs in 1620, is located along the slopes of Lake Caldaro. It oscillates between moderate and steep gradients. The vineyard is a regional highlight and an exclusive property of Elena Walch, from where many of her award winning, mineral-rich wines originate. The term “Vigna” specifies a well-defined and mapped single vineyard.

Vineyard Profile

Vigna “Castel Ringberg” has variable altitudes ranging from 330 to 400 meters above sea level and features a variety of soils. The higher areas, extending into the “Mendel” ridge of the Dolomites, consist of 30,000 year-old Adige River gravel. Calcareous soils with morainic substrata and loose limestone are found in the lower zones. The balanced, elegant character of the wines, made from a variety of native and international varieties, is influenced by the lake and the strong drying southerly wind known as “Ora”.

Vinification

The process requires refrigeration for static clarification. A portion of the mixture ferments at a controlled temperature of 18°C with prolonged yeast exposure. The remaining 15% ferments in a barrique. The mixture is combined just before bottling and then allowed some time to mature in the bottle.

Aging: In temperature controlled stainless steel and barriques

Alcohol: 13.5%

Tasting Notes

“Our Sauvignon Vigna “Castel Ringberg” shows an elegant straw yellow with light green accents. The invitingly subtle bouquet is characterized by elegant floral notes of elderflower and mountain herbs, a hint of gooseberries and an alpine freshness. With fruity fullness, elegant structure, juicy minerality, distinctive harmony and complex potential, this single vineyard Sauvignon delights.” -Elena Walch

91 Points - Wine Spectator (2021 Vintage):

"A vivid white framed by racy acidity, which is well-meshed with flavors of yellow melon, tangerine and passion fruit. Reveals accents of tarragon, lemon curd, star anise and a rich hint of pastry cream, providing depth and complexity, while the tangy acidity returns with a clean-cut snap on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2027." - Alison Napjus (February 2024)