Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Elena Walch, Vigna Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2023. Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A single-vineyard 100% Pinot Grigio from the Castel Ringberg site in Alto Adige, showcasing depth, structure, and vineyard character far beyond the typical expectations of the variety. This is not a neutral, simple expression, it is layered, textural, and architecturally composed, demonstrating power and harmony in equal measure.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pear, yellow apple, and lime blossom lead the aromatic profile, followed by subtle sage, alpine herbs, and a delicate mineral undertone. The fruit is generous yet precise, with floral lift and savory nuance adding dimension.

Mouthfeel
Structured and commanding, yet elegant. Creamy texture and density provide weight without heaviness, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine lifted and focused. The finish is persistent, layered, and beautifully integrated.

Food Pairings
Seared scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, alpine cheeses, grilled prawns, or creamy pasta dishes.

Verdict
A commanding, character-driven Pinot Grigio that completely redefines the category. Powerful yet refined, textural yet precise, this is a benchmark single-vineyard expression that showcases Alto Adige’s serious white wine potential.

Did You Know?
Castel Ringberg is one of Alto Adige’s most prestigious vineyard sites, benefiting from significant diurnal shifts that preserve acidity while allowing full phenolic ripeness, a key reason this Pinot Grigio shows such depth and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is Pinot Grigio in a different league, structured, serious, and unapologetically expressive. A reminder that this grape, in the right hands, can be profound. — 4 days ago

Henry Luiker

9.2

Very similar to the recent 2020. $215 from Wineark. Again, much softer than the Ravera and Vigna Elena. — 6 days ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

I’ve never had a bad bottle of this stuff — 5 months ago

with Sarah

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Elena Walch, Kastelaz, Gewürztraminer 2023, Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A single-vineyard 100% Gewürztraminer from Castel Ringberg, delivering aromatic intensity, precision, and structural finesse. While exuberantly expressive on the nose, this wine remains balanced and dry on the palate, showing remarkable harmony between opulence and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Rose petals, lychee, and exotic tropical tones unfold alongside hints of acacia honey and delicate spice. The aromatic intensity is captivating yet refined, avoiding excess or heaviness.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and vibrant. Stimulating acidity provides lift and tension, balancing the wine’s aromatic richness. The finish is dry, fresh, and gently spicy, with remarkable clarity and length.

Food Pairings
Thai cuisine, Indian curries, aromatic cheeses, foie gras, roasted duck, or spicy Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
A beautifully poised Gewürztraminer that combines aromatic exuberance with structural discipline. Expressive yet controlled, vibrant yet harmonious, a wine of finesse and serious character.

Did You Know?
Gewürztraminer is historically linked to the Alto Adige region, particularly around the town of Tramin, where high-altitude vineyards help preserve freshness in this naturally aromatic grape.

🍷 Personal Pick
Crazy aromatic yet impeccably balanced, this wine proves that Gewürztraminer can be both powerful and elegant. A captivating, character-filled expression that lingers in memory long after the glass is empty.
— 4 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay adding Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, medium vibrant lemon yellow color, with aromas of complex fruits, nutty and floral notes. On the palate flavors of pineapple, apricot and citrus with cinnamon, honey and floral spice. Long finish ending creamy with juicy fruit, almonds, citrus and mineral notes. Will age a bit, but nice now! — 3 months ago

Fabio Franchella

9.0

Well balanced, well integrated alcohol (for a Gewürztraminer/14%), fine mineral palate - really nice! — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Elena Walch, Lagrein 2021, Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Lagrein, an ancient indigenous red variety from Alto Adige in northern Italy. Known for its deep color, firm structure, and bold alpine character, Lagrein thrives in the gravelly soils around Bolzano. This expression shows the grape’s dense fruit profile balanced with mountain-driven freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark plum, wild cherry, and blackberry with subtle earthy undertones. Hints of cocoa and spice emerge with aeration.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with dense fruit concentration. Noticeable acidity through the mid-palate adds lift, while a slightly astringent finish provides grip and food-friendly tension.

Food Pairings
Roasted meats, venison, grilled sausages, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses.

Verdict
Deep, impactful, and structured yet approachable. A classic northern Italian red that shines more at the table than as a standalone sipper.

Did You Know?
Lagrein is genetically related to Teroldego and is one of the oldest recorded grape varieties of Alto Adige, historically grown around the Lagrein district near Bolzano.

🍷 Personal Pick
A powerful alpine red with depth and character, best appreciated alongside hearty cuisine. — 3 days ago

Henry Luiker

9.3

Only a touch less panoramic perhaps than the recent 2010 of this. A little browning, probably still at its peak. Seems to respond better to gradual airing in the bottle or glass than being poured into decanter. $190 from Winestar. — a month ago

Ted

8.9

Had to try another red from Alto Adige. Stuff is really good. More dark chocolate than Friday’s wine. Very dark in color. Becoming a fan. — 3 months ago

with Jeni

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2021 | introverted smell, good structure — a year ago