Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019Elena Walch
Description of the Domaine Elena Walch
Domaine Elena Walch, located in the picturesque South Tyrol region of Italy, is renowned for its progressive approach and commitment to excellence. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, the estate is run by Elena Walch, a visionary who has greatly influenced the quality and style of South Tyrolean wines. Its wines are the result of a unique combination of Alpine terroir and oenological innovations, always seeking to best express the characteristics of each grape variety.
Description of the Cuvée Merlot Riserva Kastelaz
Elena Walch's Cuvée Merlot Riserva Kastelaz is an exceptional example of Merlot grown in South Tyrol. From the sunny slopes of Kastelaz, this wine is famous for its concentration and complexity. After careful harvesting, the grapes undergo controlled fermentation followed by prolonged aging in oak barrels, which enriches the wine with woody nuances and texture. This Merlot Riserva is a wine of character, offering depth, elegance and aging potential.
Aromas of the Cuvée
This Merlot Riserva Kastelaz offers a rich bouquet with dominant aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, accompanied by notes of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Touches of tobacco and leather mingle with black fruits, offering a complex and engaging olfactory profile.
Characteristics of the Cuvée
- Grape variety: Merlot
- Profile: A robust and structured wine, with silky tannins and balanced acidity which supports the intensity of the fruit and the spicy notes of the wood well. Merlot Riserva Kastelaz is designed to age, gaining complexity and finesse over the years.
- Aging Potential: Thanks to its rich tannic structure and aromatic complexity, this wine has excellent aging potential. It can be cellared for several years, where it will continue to develop and reveal new dimensions of flavor and texture.
Pairings with this Cuvée
Ideal to accompany rich dishes such as grilled red meats, elaborate roasts or game dishes. The deep character and elegant tannins of Merlot Riserva Kastelaz also make it an excellent companion for mature cheeses and savory dishes.
Where are we traveling?
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Trentino-Alto Adige
Trentino-Alto Adige is Italy's northernmost wine region, right on the border with Austria. Reflecting its complex geopolitical history, Trentino-Alto Adige is made up of two autonomous provinces: Trentino, which is almost entirely Italian-speaking, and Alto Adige (South Tyrol), whose population is mainly German-speaking. This is due to the region's former status as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from which it was taken by Italy in 1919. The region is crossed from east to west by the River Adige, which gives its name to Alto Adige. The valleys formed by the Adige and its tributaries are home to almost all of the region's vineyards. Outside these areas, the terrain is generally too mountainous for viticulture. Like many vineyards in Alto Adige, they lie close to ski slopes and winter sports resorts. Production was once dominated by local red grapes such as Lagrein and Schiava. Today, white wines are more important in terms of volume and are often made from Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) and Chardonnay.
The little history of the country
Italy
Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...
But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.
Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!
All about Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019
At what temperature should Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019 be served?
Between 15 and 17 °C.
How long can Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019 be kept?
Ageing potential: 10 years or more, until at least 2029. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019?
Grapes: 100 % Merlot. Origin: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy.