Elena Walch Chardonnay Riserva Castel Ringberg 2017

 Elena Walch Chardonnay Riserva Castel Ringberg 2017

The Chardonnay Riserva Vigna “Castel Ringberg” presents a fresh golden yellow color and a bouquet characterized by a variety of aromas dense and complex with exotic fruits, including papaya, spicy with roasted almonds, and a hint of dandelion honey. On the palate, the wine impresses with a unique play of freshness and power, an elegant structure, a juicy, mineral vein paired with creamy body and harmonious balance, as well as a long, refreshing finish.

Named for the Renaissance castle built there by Habsburgs in 1620 and rising up from Lake Caldaro in alternating moderate and steep slopes, the Vigna „Castel Ringberg“ is a crown jewel of the region and a monopole for Elena Walch, from where many of her award-winning, mineral-driven wines emanate. The term „Vigna“ is an additional denomination of origin, recognizing a precisely demarcated and cartographically recorded single vineyard. In addition to variable altitudes from 330 to 400 meters above sea level, Vigna “Castel Ringberg” also boasts a multiplicity of soils. The higher perches, climbing into the “Mendel” ridge of the Dolomites, are of 30,000 year old glacial Adige River gravel, while calcareous soils with morainic substrata join loose limestone in gentler lower zones. The moderating influence of the lake and the strong afternoon drying southerly wind known as “Ora” also contribute to the balanced, elegant character of the wines, from a host of native and international varieties.

• Alto Adige DOC
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyard: Vigna "Castel Ringberg"
• Availability: 0,75l
• Aging potential:10 - 12 years
• Serving temperature and food pairing: Lightly chilled, 12 - 14°C White meats, smoked salmon and exquisite mushroom dishes

The grapes get picked at optimum maturity and are crushed and pressed immediately. Fermentation takes place in French oak barriques with partial malolactic fermentation. The wine matures for 10 months on its lees while regularly being stirred up (battonage). The wine is the bottle-aged for several months before being released.

• THE WINE ADVOCATE - ROBERT PARKER/USA - 93 POINTS
• ANNUARIO DEI MIGLIORI VINI ITALIANI-LUCA MARONI - 95 POINTS
• JAMES SUCKLING - 92 POINTS