Elena Walch : Pinot Bianco "Kristallberg" 2024

Characteristics and tasting tips for Elena Walch's Pinot Bianco "Kristallberg" 2024

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a pale straw-yellow hue that is fresh, clear and brilliant.

Nose
The bouquet opens with notes of fresh pear and white-fleshed fruit. It then gains complexity with subtle hints of sweet spice reminiscent of green walnut, all underscored by a delicate mineral and slightly smoky backbone.

Palate
The palate stands out for its great elegance and vertical structure. The lively, invigorating acidity is perfectly balanced by a slightly creamy texture. The finish is long and persistent, marked by lovely sapidity and chalky notes.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine is an ideal match for hearty starters, white meats in light sauces, roast poultry or fresh cheeses. It will also pair beautifully with flavourful dishes featuring rich fish or shellfish.

Serving and cellaring

To enjoy the Pinot Bianco "Kristallberg" 2024 at its best, serve it at a temperature between 13 and 15°C. Decanting briefly for 20 to 30 minutes will allow its full aromatic complexity to unfold. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop favourably until around 2032.

The mineral, vertical expression of a white wine from Alto Adige

The estate

Founded in 1988 by Elena Walch, a pioneer of quality in the region, the eponymous brand draws on a family winemaking heritage dating back to 1869. Located in Termeno in Trentino-Alto Adige, this 60-hectare estate is now run by her daughters, Julia and Karoline Walch. Recognised on the international stage, the estate stands out for its philosophy centred on the precise expression of high-altitude terroirs and its strong commitment to sustainability, recently rewarded with Italy's VIVA certification.

The vineyard

Produced under the Alto Adige DOC appellation, this wine comes from a mountain vineyard at an altitude of around 600 metres, on a plateau between the villages of Tramin and Kaltern. Facing south-west, the vines enjoy generous sunshine and cool Alpine nights. They thrive on poor, free-draining soils composed of porphyry and limestone. The estate favours sustainable viticulture, with no herbicides, natural grass cover and entirely manual harvesting.

The vintage

The year began with an unsettled spring and rain-affected flowering, followed by a rather cool start to the summer. These conditions called for meticulous work in the vineyard. From mid-July, however, the weather turned dry, hot and very sunny. Wide temperature swings between day and night at the end of August allowed the berries to reach optimal ripeness, resulting in a small harvest of excellent quality.

Winemaking and ageing

After gentle pressing of the grapes, the must of the Pinot Bianco "Kristallberg" 2024 undergoes static cold settling. Fermentation takes place mainly in 25-hectolitre oak casks at a controlled temperature of 20°C, while a small portion ferments in French oak barriques. The wine is then aged on the lees in these same wooden vessels for twelve months, lending texture and complexity to this Italian wine.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Bianco