Merlot Riserva Kastelaz 2019

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.

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!