According to the winemaker, it’s perfect timing for wineswinging with Elena Walch Gewurztraminer 2018 because it will taste best between 2022 and 2025.
Elena Walch was one of Northern Italy’s winemaking scene pioneers in the latter part of the 20th century. She challenged the status quo in traditionally men’s winemaking world and spearheaded innovation.
Elena Walch Gewurztraminer 2018
In the Bottle
Elena Walch Gewurztraminer 2018 is a wine from a single vineyard series and is among the two top wines bottled by the winery. The Gewurztraminer grapes for this wine came from the Kastelaz vineyard in the prestigious Alto Adige DOC (wine region) of Northern Italy.
Kastelaz vineyard dominates the landscape of the village of Tramin. Sloped at an imposing 63 degrees with full Southern exposure, this narrow terraced vineyard scales from 330 to 380 meters above sea level. The loose limestone soils’ layered structure is interspersed with post-glacial sand, granite, and porphyry.
The best elements of Alto Adige viticulture are further magnified here because of unique terroir conditions: the south-facing position grants even more of the region’s ubiquitous sunshine, while strong winds and altitude cause dramatic day-night temperature swings.
In the Glass
The aromas are filled with tropical flowers, quince, pear, citrus peel, apple brandy, apricot skin, and wet stone.
The palate intrigues with flavors of pineapple, orange peel, peony, marmalade, bee pollen, and almond.
The aftertaste is an aromatic combination of field flowers and peach.
Pairing Suggestions
It would taste best with sushi because it can withstand the intense flavors of tuna, shark, and mackerel and tame the umame of the soy sauce and balance the heat of wasabi as well.
Of course, it can elevate any seafood and a score of appetizers like patés with pickled vegetables, crab cakes, and seviche. The acidity can help balance fat, and intense aromatics add complexity to familiar flavors.
What are your thoughts if you tasted this or other Elena Walch wines?