In the glass
Aroma: rose, lychee, acacia honey, mineral lift
Palate: elegant structure, stimulating acidity, harmonious 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. -
Asian dishes with aromatic spices
Producer recommends Asian dishes; lychee and rose aromatics meet aromatic spices. -
Blue cheese with honey
Producer recommends blue cheese; the wine's aromatic intensity and faint sweetness balance the funk.
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.
- 1991 — First Kastelaz Gewurztraminer vintage from the south-facing Tramin slope
- 2024 — Wine receives 96 points from Luca Maroni and 95 from Eros Teboni for the 2023 vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Elena Walch
- 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, harmonious 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.