Elena Walch Selezione Alto Adige Chardonnay 2025 is an elegant and beautifully balanced white wine from one of northern Italy’s most respected family-owned estates. Located in Alto Adige, where the dramatic Dolomite mountains create ideal conditions for producing vibrant, expressive white wines, Elena Walch has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a distinctive sense of place.
Originally trained as an architect, Elena Walch helped establish the winery’s international reputation through her pioneering approach to viticulture and winemaking. Today, her daughters Julia and Karoline continue the family legacy, bringing a new generation of expertise and dedication to the estate.
The 2025 Selezione Chardonnay showcases the freshness and finesse that make Alto Adige such an exciting region for this classic grape variety. Aromas of white peach, orchard fruits, and delicate floral notes mingle with subtle hints of blanched almonds and stony minerality. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and creamy, offering an appealing combination of ripe fruit, lively acidity, and elegant structure.
Its refreshing mineral character provides balance and precision, leading to a clean, harmonious finish. This is a Chardonnay that delivers richness without heaviness, making it both approachable and sophisticated.
Food Pairing: An excellent companion to grilled fish, shellfish, roasted poultry, creamy risotto, fresh pasta, and mild cheeses. Its bright acidity and rounded texture also make it a delightful aperitif.
Expert Ratings
91 Points — James Suckling, reviewed by Andrii Stetsiuk: "White peaches and blanched almonds with a stony, mineral edge. Medium-bodied and creamy, yet fresh, with a clean finish. Drink now." — Andrii Stetsiuk, 2026
90 Points - Wines Spectator: "A fresh and floral version, with crisp acidity creating a buoyant frame for flavors of Gala apple, blood orange zest, green almond and mineral. Lightly chalky on the finish. Drink now. 3,400 cases made." — Alison Napjus, 2026
A beautifully crafted Alto Adige Chardonnay that combines alpine freshness, creamy elegance, and exceptional value.
Wine Specifications
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Producer: Elena Walch
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Wine: Selezione Chardonnay
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Country: Italy
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Region: Alto Adige (South Tyrol), Trentino-Alto Adige
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Appellation: Alto Adige DOC
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Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Wine Type: Dry White Wine
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Alcohol: 13% ABV
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Soil: Limestone
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Vineyard Exposure: Southeast-facing
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Vineyard Elevation: Mid-altitude vineyards reaching up to 600 meters (1,970 feet)
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Harvest: Entirely hand-harvested
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2025 Harvest Season: August 27 through late September
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Vinification: Gentle pressing followed by low-temperature static clarification. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at approximately 20°C (68°F).
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Maturation: Several months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks
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Oak Aging: None
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Residual Sugar: 0.8 g/L
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Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
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Serving Temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
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Aging Potential: 3–5 years
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Food Pairings: Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, freshwater fish, pasta, roasted poultry, and mild cheeses
About the 2025 Harvest
The 2025 growing season in Alto Adige delivered excellent conditions for producing fresh, balanced white wines. Following early flowering and a warm, dry June, cooler temperatures in July helped preserve the grapes' natural acidity. Favorable ripening conditions in August and a September marked by alternating sunshine and occasional rainfall allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturity. The resulting vintage combines expressive fruit character with freshness and balance.
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