What kind of wine is Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon DOC 'Vigna Castel Ringberg' 2022 - Elena Walch

Produced in the renowned Vigna Castel Ringberg, overlooking the waters of Lake Caldaro at an altitude of about 350 meters, the Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon DOC 'Vigna Castel Ringberg' 2022 - Elena Walch is an elegant and distinctive red. It is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, an international varietal that finds one of its best alpine expressions in Alto Adige, thanks to the cool climate and limestone-rich soils. It is a wine of great structure, with a full and balanced body, combining aromatic intensity and finesse, typical of the touch of Elena Walch, one of the most esteemed interpreters of Alto Adige viticulture.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a warm but well-ventilated summer, with good temperature excursions between day and night. This allowed the grapes to ripen evenly, developing complex aromas and remarkable aromatic concentration. During the harvest, carried out entirely by hand, only the healthiest and ripest bunches were selected to ensure a high-quality final result.

Vinification and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and subjected to a maceration on the skins for about 10-15 days to extract color and structure. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures in stainless steel, followed by aging for 18 months in French oak barriques. This process gives the wine complexity, softness, and spicy notes that blend harmoniously with the fruit. After bottling, the wine rests for a few months in the cellar before release, to achieve the right harmony.

Tasting Notes

The Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon DOC 'Vigna Castel Ringberg' 2022 - Elena Walch is a wine of great personality, where power and finesse meet in perfect balance.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of maturity and concentration.

Aroma

On the nose, it opens with a broad and complex bouquet of small ripe black fruits such as currants and blueberries, enriched by notes of vanilla, cocoa, and subtle herbaceous nuances. Delicate balsamic and spicy hints also emerge, typical of aging in fine wood.

Taste

On the palate, it is structured, with dense but well-smoothed tannins and a pleasant freshness that keeps the sip balanced. The finish is long and engaging, with a return of dark fruit and sweet spices. It is a wine that offers a full and enveloping experience, ideal for those who love red wines with character yet elegance.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon DOC 'Vigna Castel Ringberg' 2022 - Elena Walch

This Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for accompanying rich and intense dishes. It expresses itself best with:

• grilled or braised red meats, such as fillet or ribeye;
• game, especially venison or roe deer;
• typical mountain dishes, such as polenta with mushrooms or aged cheeses;
• spicy dishes or those with structured sauces.

It is a wine that lends itself very well to conviviality, ideal for a dinner with friends or for special occasions where you want to impress with an alpine and refined red.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon DOC 'Vigna Castel Ringberg' 2022 - Elena Walch, the rule is to keep the bottle horizontally, in a cool (12-14°C), dark environment with controlled humidity. This wine has a structure suitable for long aging in the bottle: it can evolve harmoniously for over 8-10 years, developing increasingly complex tertiary aromas, with notes of leather, tobacco, and sweet spices. A red wine that, over time, will best tell its extraordinary origin: the Vigna Castel Ringberg by Elena Walch, a symbol of Alto Adige elegance and authenticity.