Description
What kind of wine it is
This wine from Alto Adige, produced by Elena Walch, is an authentic expression of the Merlot grape variety. In the glass, it displays a vibrant garnet hue, opening up to an aromatic bouquet where intense berry notes, spicy hints and nuances of chocolate stand out. On the palate, it offers a velvety and full-bodied sip, supported by a firm structure and measured, elegant tannins. The long, balsamic finish enhances the perfect synergy between savouriness and smoothness, making this red ideal for pairing with roasted meats and mature cheeses, while also being satisfying when enjoyed on its own.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from the renowned vineyard areas of Termeno and Caldaro, in the heart of Trentino Alto Adige. The vineyards are situated between two hundred and four hundred metres above sea level, with roots in calcareous soils enriched with sandy and clay formations. This specific soil composition, combined with the microclimatic variations of each plot, gives the flavour profile a clear aromatic definition. The cool mountain temperatures promote an enviable structural balance, imparting a distinct savouriness that faithfully reflects the identity and character of the region of origin.
How it is produced
The winemaking process begins with a careful manual harvest of the grape bunches. In the winery, a ten-day maceration on the skins follows, a crucial step to extract the intense colour and valuable phenolic components. After a slow fermentation at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation before beginning maturation in large barrels of French and Slavonian oak. This period of rest in wood softens the flavour profile, imparting enveloping tannins and an overall harmony of remarkable charm.
History and Curiosities
A symbol of innovation, the Elena Walch family-run winery cultivates this Merlot in the calcareous terroirs of Termeno and Caldaro. After a rigorous manual harvest, the wine matures in large French and Slavonian oak barrels, releasing elegant aromas of wild berries and chocolate. On the palate, it reveals a firm structure and enveloping tannins, offering a velvety sip. This captivating 2024 red finishes with a long, balsamic aftertaste, making it ideal for enhancing roasts and fine aged cheeses.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
14 -16 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1988
- Oenologist: Stefano Bolognani
- Bottles produced: 800.000
- Hectares: 90
Encouraging quality and innovation, Elena Walch stood at the head of the Alto Adige quality revolution and has gained local and international esteem for her efforts. 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 establishment. Now, the responsibility for the family business is being put into the hands of the daughters, Julia and Karoline Walch, already the fifth generation. Read more
| Name | Elena Walch Alto Adige Merlot 2024 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Alto Adige DOC |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Trentino Alto Adige |
| Vendor | Elena Walch |
| Story | History and Curiosities A symbol of innovation, the Elena Walch family-run winery cultivates this Merlot in the calcareous terroirs of Termeno and Caldaro. After a rigorous manual harvest, the wine matures in large French and Slavonian oak barrels, releasing elegant aromas of wild berries and chocolate. On the palate, it reveals a firm structure and enveloping tannins, offering a velvety sip. This captivating 2024 red finishes with a long, balsamic aftertaste, making it ideal for enhancing roasts and fine aged cheeses. |
| Origin | Tramin and Caldaro, South Tyrol (Italy) |
| Soil composition | Calcareous soils with sandy and clayey formations |
| Production technique | Manual harvesting; maceration on the skins for 10 days; slow fermentation at a controlled temperature in steel tanks; malolactic fermentation; ageing in large French and Slavonian oak barrels (80 hl) |
| Wine making | Hand harvesting; maceration on the skins for 10 days; slow fermentation at controlled temperature in steel tanks; malolactic fermentation and ageing in large (80 hl) French and Slavonian oak barrels. |
| Aging | Malolactic fermentation and ageing in large (80 hl) French and Slavonian oak barrels |
| Total acidity | 5.1 gr/L |
| Residual sugar | 1.7 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

