Elena Walch : Pinot Grigio 2017

An Italian Pinot Grigio with Aromas of Pear and White Pepper

The Elena Walch Estate is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, a very old and steep wine-growing area in northeastern Italy. Originally an architect, Elena married winemaker Werner Walch, fourth generation winemaker from one of the most important families of the region, and began producing her own line of wines with specially planted new varietals. The property now includes 55 hectares planted with vines, including Castel Ringberg and Kastelaz, the two flaghsip vineyards. The Pinot Grigio 2017 from Elena Walch is a white wine made of 100% Pinot Grigio, harvested from steep slopes with southest and southwest orientation between 250 and 600m. The vines here grow in calcareous soils with clay, sand and porphyric parts. After a manual harvest, the grapes are crushed and pressed. The must is clarified at low temperatures and then gently fermented in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 20°C. The wine is matured on fine lees in the steel tanks for several months.

The 2017 vintage at Elena Walch was one with low yields of highly concentrated fruit. A dry spring was followed by a challenging summer season, with frost and hail, but then warm days and cool nights in early autumn allowed the fruit to ripen beautifully, while also maintaining a certain freshness.

The Pinot Grigio 2017 from Elena Walch displays an easy-going, light straw yellow color in the glass. On the nose, the bouquet reveals fruity aromas (ripe and juicy pears), as well as hints of white pepper and sage. On the palate, this wine presents a very pleasant mineral salinity, balancing the ripe white fruit. This Italian Pinot Grigio is structured and fresh, the perfect centerpiece at an aperitif and a great companion to a wide array of dishes. To be consumed now or aged 3-4 years.