Vigna

Vigna is the finest expression of "terroir" wines and an important element of Italian wine culture. It is an additional geographical indication and describes a strictly defined and geographically limited vineyard.

A STEEP SLOPE OF “UNIQUENESS”

The Vigna “Kastelaz” is a unique steep slope directly above the wine village of Tramin and is one of the region's exclusive south-facing sites. With an extreme incline of over 63%, the vineyard is laboriously laid out in narrow terraces and faces entirely south – a rarity in Alto Adige. This is where Elena Walch's absolute top wines are produced, with extremely low yields per vine and hand-picking.

Characteristics

VILLAGE

TRAMIN

Altitude

330 - 380 m.a.s.l. / 1082-1246 ft

Orientation

South

Incline

More than 63%, laid out in terraces

Soil

Layered limestone soil with sand and hard rock

GRAPE VARIETIES

Gewürztraminer and Merlot

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TERROIR

The Vigna Kastelaz is a pyramid of post-glacial origin and consists of a layered structure of loose limestone soils, mixed with sand and hard rock such as granite and porphyry. The microclimatic conditions are also contrasted with strong day and night differences. Here the vines can benefit from the warm, sunny southern exposure during the day, while strong winds in the late afternoon are followed by a fresh evening mountain air to ensure cool temperatures.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tramin is considered the origin of the world-famous Gewürztraminer grape variety. Old writings also testify to the historical significance of the Vigna Kastelaz, when in 1214 Bishop Friedrich von Wangen granted permission to build a wine cellar at the highest point of the vineyard. The "Castellaccio" (castle) gave today's Vigna its name: "Kastelaz". The hill has been owned by the Walch family for over a century. Notably for the Gewürztraminer Vigna Kastelaz, the vineyard has gained fame far beyond the borders of Italy.