Elena Walch : Schiava 2018

Nestled in the Italian Alps, Elena Walch is a leading producer in the Alto Adige region. Walch started her career as an architect in Bolzano. In 1985, she was hired to restore an Austrian hunting castle on the Wilhelm Walch winery and met her husband Werner. After they married, Elena became interested in the family business and launched her own label. Today, Elena Walch is run by daughter duo, Karoline and Julia, who continue their mother’s legacy of producing terroir driven wines.

Alto Adige is the northernmost winegrowing region in Italy. Previously this region was part of Austria until 1919 when it was annexed to Italy. The region itself is deeply rooted in German cultures; both Italian and German signs are mandated in the region and it is reflective in winemaking styles as well. Known for their white wine, Alto Adige produces beautifully crisp mineral driven varietals unique to Italy such as Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner and Riesling. This area is also known for their high quality Pinot Grigio. Very high altitudes and plenty of sunshine allow for aromatic and crisp wines. The indigenous red varieties known as Schiava and Lagrein also stand out in this area producing bright, fresh and fruit forward sippers.

The Elena Walch Schiava is a unique wine perfect for an aperitif or paired with your next pasta night. Fruit forward with notes of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate, the wine dances with acidity and has a bit of a zippy spice and meatiness at the end. Traditionally this wine is served with a slight chill. Lighter in body this is the perfect food friendly wine.