About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Vigna “Castel Ringberg” is an Elena Walch monopole rising above Lake Caldaro on alternating moderate and steep slopes. Its name recalls the Renaissance castle built by the Habsburgs in 1620. The legally recognized term “Vigna” identifies a precisely delimited and mapped single vineyard.
The vines grow between 330 and 400 m. Higher positions contain approximately 30,000-year-old glacial gravel deposited by the Adige River; lower, gentler zones combine calcareous soils over morainic substrata with loose limestone. Lake Caldaro moderates the climate, while cool nights and the strong, dry southerly afternoon wind known as the Ora create pronounced thermal variation. Yields are kept deliberately very low.
Grapes
100% Lagrein.
Vinification
The must ferments for approximately ten days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The gravity-fed cellar introduced in 2015 permits gentle whole-grape handling with a highly sensitive destemmer and a specialized rail-mounted container called a “cuvon.”
Ageing
The wine matures for 20 months in new French oak barriques, followed by several months in bottle before release.
Technical data
The 2023 vintage has 13.5% alcohol, 5.0 g/L total acidity and 3.1 g/L residual sugar. It is available in 0.75- and 1.5-litre formats and has an estimated ageing capacity of 15–18 years.
Tasting profile
Deep garnet red. The complex, fruit-led bouquet combines cranberry, redcurrant and cherry with delicate tobacco and chocolate. Velvety tannins frame a fresh, spicy palate with youthful elegance, substantial structure and a long, stimulating mineral finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18 °C with venison and other game, red meat or cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2023 growing season alternated warm and cool periods with rain. Midsummer conditions in June and July were followed by heavy rainfall at the beginning of August, then abundant sunshine and prolonged ripening. Harvest began in early September under ideal conditions before the weather became less stable toward the end. Warm days and cool nights supported balanced acidity, clear fruit and good structure.
