2022 Elena Walch Bianco "Beyond The Clouds", Alto Adige, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

The new millennium began with the creation of a new "Supercuvée"—the result of a meticulous selection of the finest grape clusters at harvest, and the crowning jewel of Elena Walch’s wine portfolio. Thus, the year 2000 saw the production of Alto Adige’s first white "Supercuvée," a multi-award-winning wine now ranked among Italy’s elite white wines.

2022, was an excellent vintage, favored by a hot, stable summer, the grapes arrived at the winery in beautiful, healthy condition and with balanced characteristics. The 2022 growing season saw early flowering due to high spring temperatures. The summer was hot and dry, with temperature peaks in July and August. Low rainfall had no negative impact on the vineyards, thanks to Walch's drip irrigation systems and weather stations. The high summer temperatures yielded grapes of excellent quality and optimal ripeness. Acidity levels were slightly lower but very well-balanced, supported by targeted canopy management and a slightly early harvest. The estate began picking the first grapes in late August—exclusively by hand, as is custom. The 2022 vintage wines display beautiful fruit notes and impress with their complexity and great structure.

Chardonnay dominates this blend. The harvest date for the grapes from Walch's two single vineyards—the proportions of which may vary slightly from year to year—is determined by the optimal ripeness of the Chardonnay. As this is a blend, all the grapes are harvested and processed together on the same day. Following fermentation, *bâtonnage* (lees stirring) is performed weekly for three months. The wine matures in French barriques for approximately ten months, followed by further bottle aging for at least six months.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Elena Walch is a leading family estate in Alto Adige, known for championing quality-focused, sustainable viticulture. With a deep respect for tradition and a forward-thinking philosophy, the winery emphasizes reduced yields, meticulous site selection, and environmentally responsible farming.

Estate vineyards such as Castel Ringberg and Kastelaz benefit from diverse elevations and soils, contributing to the precision and elegance found across the portfolio. Through careful stewardship of both vineyard and cellar, Elena Walch continues to craft wines that embody the purity, balance, and distinctive Alpine character of Alto Adige.