Elena Walch : Lagrein Riserva Vigna "Castel Ringberg" 2022

Characteristics and tasting advice for Elena Walch's Lagrein Riserva Vigna "Castel Ringberg" 2022

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep garnet-red hue.

Nose

The nose unveils a complex bouquet combining aromas of red and black fruit (cranberry, blackcurrant, cherry) with delicate notes of chocolate and tobacco. Spicy and mineral nuances harmoniously complete the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine captivates with its velvety tannins and generous texture. The structure is defined by a lovely spicy, mineral freshness that brings balance and elegance. The finish lingers with persistence, leaving a remarkable mineral imprint.

Food and wine pairings

This Lagrein Riserva Vigna "Castel Ringberg" 2022 is an ideal match for venison and game, red meats, as well as robust cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2040.

An exceptional Lagrein Riserva from a unique terroir in Trentino-Alto Adige

The estate

Founded in 1985 by Elena Walch, an architect who became South Tyrol’s first female winemaker, the estate spans 60 hectares in Tramin, in Trentino-Alto Adige. Now run by her daughters Julia and Karoline Walch, the property cultivates Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero and Lagrein across two iconic vineyards: Castel Ringberg and Kastelaz. A pioneer in expressing single-vineyard wines in Alto Adige, Elena Walch combines modern vinification in stainless-steel tanks with traditional aging in wood, producing wines of remarkable purity that reflect the unique alliance between Alpine and Mediterranean influences.

The vineyard

Vigna "Castel Ringberg" is an estate monopole located in Alto Adige. Planted between 330 and 400 meters above sea level, this vineyard rests on exceptional soils composed of 30,000-year-old glacial gravels from the Adige, calcareous morainic substrates, and crumbly limestone. The microclimate benefits from the moderating influence of Lake Caldaro as well as the southern wind, "Ora", which blows in the afternoon, creating ideal conditions for Lagrein to ripen.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage in Trentino-Alto Adige was marked by a warm spring that encouraged early flowering. Summer proved consistently dry and warm, at times even very hot. These conditions yielded grapes in extraordinary health, showing excellent quality and ripeness. While acidity levels were slightly lower, they remain perfectly balanced. Wines from the 2022 vintage stand out for their complexity, great structure and remarkable fruit expression.

Winemaking and aging

Harvesting for the Lagrein Riserva Vigna "Castel Ringberg" 2022 began in late August and was carried out entirely by hand. The estate uses gravity-flow technology with whole-cluster handling, using "cuvon" containers on rails. Fermentation of the must lasts around 10 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. The wine then undergoes 20 months of aging in French oak barrels, before additional bottle aging.

Grape variety

100% Lagrein.