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​Beyond the Clouds Elena Walch

By Luca Stroppa July 25, 2023 151 Views

Beyond the Clouds Elena Walch

It was the year 2000 when Elena Walch had the idea of creating a white Supercuvée obtained from the blending of the best grapes of the winery’s vineyards. A label that, harvest after harvest, would combine the best of each vintage, establishing itself as one of the leading products of italian oenology. This white wine was called Beyond The Clouds to emphasize its unique and special character. It is certainly among the best Italian white wines.

We tasted and reviewed the particularly favorable 2020 vintage, whose value has been recognized by national and international critics. Among the awards and recognitions it has obtained there are:

- 5 GRAPPOLI BIBENDA
- 4 GRAPES GAULT & MILLAU
- 98 POINTS LUCA MARONI
- 96 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING
- 95 POINTS DECANTER
- 93 POINTS FALSTAFF
- 93 POINTS ROBERT PARKER
- 91 POINTS WINE SPECTATOR

Buy this wine: Beyond The Clouds Elena Walch for sale online, AT CELLAR PRICE, on Wineshop.it

Elena Walch is a well-known name for wine lovers, an undisputed symbol of Alto Adige viticulture, which, thanks to the quality of its wines, has succeeded in establishing itself in international markets. Today, Elena Walch wines are sought after and highly appreciated in every corner of the world.

It is a family run winery, currently run by Julia and Karoline Walch, Elena’s daughters. The headquarters are located in the former Jesuit convent, belonging to the Walch family since 1869, in Termeno, near Bolzano, in Trentino Alto Adige. This place is famous because it is considered the "homeland" of the Gewürztraminer. Here the grape expresses itself at its maximum potential: the Gewürztraminer Elena Walch wines are the proof of this.

The vineyards called Vigna Kastelaz, in Termeno, and Vigna Castel Ringberg, in Caldaro, are the most important and renowned because they have a very favorable position and microclimate for viticulture, thanks to the influence of the nearby Lake Caldaro, thanks to the rather mild temperatures and thanks to the perfect altitude. From these areas come the greatest Elena Walch wines, made from the main varieties of this territory: Gewürztraminer and Lagrein above all, but also Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Merlot. In addition to the two already mentioned, the 60 hectares of vineyards owned by the company also include other less extensive vineyards, however very suitable and always located between Termeno and Caldaro.

In 2015, the historic winery was expanded with a new underground area equipped with innovative technologies that allow to further improve the production process and give shape to wines of a very high quality level. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, the principle of environmental sustainability is the basis of every operation.

Now let’s move on to Beyond The Clouds, the jewel produced by Elena Walch since the early 2000s. As we said, it is a white cuvée obtained from a blend of the best grapes of the winery. The percentage of grapes used is different depending on the vintage, but Chardonnay is prevalent. After the harvest, the grapes of the various vines are vinified together, following the classic process of white wine making. After fermentation in wood and aging on the lees, batonnage follows, for about 6 months, to increase the structured and aromatic complexity of the wine. Aging takes place in French barriques for a period of 10 months and in bottle for about 6 months.

Let’s go to the tasting.

Beyond the Clouds Elena Walch

Beyond The Clouds Elena Walch 2020 has a bright yellow color with golden reflections. The nose surprises us for the harmony reached between the various aromatic nuances: we perceive prevalent hints of white flowers, accompanied by fruity notes, especially pineapple, vanilla sensations, with hints of wood. The palate reveals a fresh minerality and a good sapidity that encourage the sip. It is refined and elegant, gently soft and structured. The alcohol content is important (13.5% vol.) without altering the organoleptic qualities of the wine, which, indeed, are exalted and strengthened by comparison.

We serve it for important dinners or lunches, organized for special events or celebrations. It is perfect with important and tasty fish dishes or with white meat dishes.

Do you know Beyond The Clouds? Have you ever drunk it? What do you think?

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