2023 Elena Walch "Kristallberg" Pinot Bianco Alto Adige

Professional Reviews

Notes

The 2023 "Kristallberg" is an ambitious and vertical single-vineyard Pinot Bianco, sourced from a high-altitude (600m) porphyry terrace that captures the intense mountain sunlight. Unlike the classic estate bottling, the Kristallberg undergoes a more complex vinification, with the majority fermented in large 25hl oak casks and a small portion in French barriques. The nose is multifaceted and intense, offering a vibrant mix of blood orange, white peach, and fresh pears underpinned by sophisticated notes of green walnut, smoky minerals, and a touch of white flowers. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and surprisingly weighty, balancing a creamy, "melting" fruit texture with a stirring acidity and youthful vitality. The finish is long, savory, and toasted, marked by a distinctive saline tension and a hint of pickled ginger. A sophisticated, "Burgundian-leaning" white that elevates Pinot Bianco to a level of serious depth and aging potential.