What wine is Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC 'Vigna Kastelaz' 2022 - Elena Walch

The Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC "Vigna Kastelaz" 2022 - Elena Walch comes from one of the most captivating vineyards in South Tyrol, situated on sun-drenched terraces overlooking the village of Termeno (Tramin). This pure Merlot best expresses the elegance and depth that the grape variety can offer in a mountainous territory. The body is full yet harmonious, with a perfect balance between softness and freshness, typical of great high-altitude red wines.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage in South Tyrol was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not extreme summers and a regular harvest. The Merlot grapes from Vigna Kastelaz reached ideal ripeness, ensuring concentrated fruit, perfectly ripe tannins, and an intense aromatic profile. The result is a wine of remarkable structure and complexity, yet without excessive power.

Winemaking and Aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo traditional fermentation with a short maceration on the skins—a process that allows for a balanced extraction of color and aromas. The wine then ages for approximately 18 months in French oak barriques, developing spicy notes and greater softness. This is followed by several months of maturation in the bottle, during which the Merlot Riserva refines further, achieving perfect harmony between structure and finesse.

Tasting Notes

The Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC "Vigna Kastelaz" 2022 - Elena Walch is a refined red that captivates with its balance and depth.

Color

It presents an intense and brilliant ruby red color, a sign of concentration and vitality, with slight garnet nuances that anticipate its complexity.

Nose

On the nose, it offers an elegant and expansive bouquet, with recognizable scents of ripe red fruits like cherry and blackberry, intertwined with delicate notes of chocolate, sweet tobacco, and spices derived from wood aging. The aromatic component is fine and persistent, with a pleasant evolution in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, it is warm, enveloping, and remarkably balanced. The tannins, present but silky, contribute to the structure without ever being aggressive. The finish is long and harmonious, with echoes of ripe fruit and a slight spicy nuance that invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC 'Vigna Kastelaz' 2022 - Elena Walch

This Merlot Riserva pairs wonderfully with meat dishes and tasty traditional Alpine and Italian recipes. Perfect with:

• Roasted veal or beef
• Pork fillets with mushrooms or red wine sauces
• Feathered game such as pheasant or duck
• Medium-intensity aged cheeses

Also ideal to enjoy during relaxing moments, accompanying a chat or a good book, thanks to its soft and enveloping profile.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC 'Vigna Kastelaz' 2022 - Elena Walch

To best preserve its bouquet and its evolution over time, this wine should be stored in a cool place, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C, and the bottle laid horizontally to keep the cork moist. The Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC "Vigna Kastelaz" 2022 has great aging potential: it can age in the cellar for 8-10 years, developing even more complex aromas and a more velvety sip, perfect for those who love to discover the evolution of great red wines over time.