Elena Walch Pinot Noir "Aton" Riserva 2018.

With a small number of 2.788 bottles produced, Elena Walch’s highest expression of Pinot Noir appears “Aton”, after the ancient Egyptian sun god, who rose above every other divine being in the representation of a sun disk. As an abstract idea and spiritualized concept, Aton is the source of light and life.

The 2018 vintage of “Aton” Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige DOC comes from the selection of the best grapes in medium and higher altitudes between 400 and 600 meters a.s.l. The vines, which are up to 61 years old with greatly reduced yields, are located on both sides of the valley in Glen and Barleith and benefit from the complex, predominantly clay and limestone soils with traces of marl.

The higher the mountain profile, the more light, sunshine hours, and freshness reach the vineyards. Long hours of sunshine in a fresh climate and a large day/night temperature differences result in a Pinot Noir of great elegance with a fresh and expressive presence.

The selection of the two highest quality plots in an ideal combination of orientation and altitude allow a higher phenolic grape ripeness without excessive sugar content and a natural medium to high acidity that distinguishes the “Aton” Pinot Noir Riserva 2018 with structure, elegance, and finesse. “Aton” sends you on a unique sensory journey that engages the senses in the discovery of its personality. A journey that tells the story of Alto Adige and delights lovers of Pinot Noir.

Here is an exciting new submission from Elena Walch that represents her foray into a lighter and more delicate red wine. The 2018 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Riserva Aton reveals a sightly evolved character, with dried fruit, redcurrant, strawberry confit and a hint of wild licorice root. Aton is very silky to the touch and lean on the mid-palate, with a delicate and lightweight sense of lasting elegance - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.