Profile

Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninlow
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 3 to 18 years from vintage.

vintage3 yrs18 yrs20 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating above is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: rose, lychee, acacia honey, mineral lift

Palate: elegant structure, stimulating acidity, balanced spice, delicate juicy finish

Elena Walch's single-vineyard Gewurztraminer from Vigna Kastelaz - one of the rare southern exposures in Alto Adige, with an extraordinary 63 percent slope overlooking Tramin. Rich golden colour with rose-and-lychee bouquet and characteristic mineral lift.

What it pairs with

  • Shellfish, crabs and lobster Producer recommends shellfish and crustaceans; the wine's full body and aromatic intensity match sweet shellfish.More wines for lobster →
  • Asian dishes with aromatic spices Producer recommends Asian dishes; lychee and rose aromatics meet aromatic spices.More wines for spicy and Asian food →
  • Blue cheese with honey Producer recommends blue cheese; the wine's aromatic intensity and faint sweetness balance the funk.More wines for blue cheese →

With cheese

Dolomitenkönig Our pick Mila describes a nutty, spicy aroma with fine honey notes that develops on the palate. A dry, full-bodied Alto Adige Gewürztraminer brings aromatic weight to match that intensity, with medium acidity to keep the pairing fresh.

History

Elena Walch modernised the estate from 1985 onward, and the Vigna Kastelaz - a south-facing 63-degree slope overlooking Tramin - became the cellar's signature single-vineyard parcel. Walch was among the first to commit Kastelaz to Gewurztraminer at scale; the wine has been the cellar's most decorated white for decades.

  1. 1991First Kastelaz Gewurztraminer vintage from the south-facing Tramin slope
  2. 2024Wine receives 96 points from Luca Maroni and 95 from Eros Teboni for the 2023 vintage

Facts

Producer
Elena Walch · visiting guide
Grapes
Gewuerztraminer (100%)
Classification
DOC Alto Adige Gewuerztraminer
Oak
Cold maceration for six hours before pressing, then temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel; no oak
ABV
14.5%
Price
EUR 50 to 75 at retail
Drinking window
3 to 18 from vintage
First vintage
1991

Frequently asked about Gewurztraminer Vigna Kastelaz

What does Kastelaz Gewurztraminer taste like?

Rose, lychee, acacia honey and mineral lift on the nose; elegant structure, stimulating acidity, balanced spice and a delicate juicy finish on the palate. Full-bodied, dry, with medium acidity.

When should I drink Kastelaz?

Drink between 3 and 18 years from vintage. Young vintages show vibrant rose and lychee; cellared bottles develop honey and saffron complexity. Serve at 10-12C.

What food pairs with Kastelaz?

Producer recommends shellfish, crabs and lobster, Asian dishes, and blue cheese. The wine's aromatic intensity suits rich and spice-led dishes.

Where is the Kastelaz vineyard?

On a south-facing slope overlooking Tramin/Termeno, with an extraordinary 63 percent gradient developed in terraces. One of the rare southern exposures in Alto Adige; the slope catches afternoon sun that ripens Gewurztraminer to peak intensity.

Tags

cellar worthy dry full body gewuerztraminer iconic medium acid mood elegant mood fruity mood romantic occasion dinner party occasion gift occasion special old world pairs with asian cuisine pairs with blue cheese pairs with foie gras pairs with shellfish pairs with spicy food price premium single vineyard still white

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