TOP DROP: Elena Walch’s ‘Beyond the Clouds’ ranks sky high
97 Points for 2023’s Beyond the Clouds
The wines of Elena Walch have earned high praise since the 1980s, and the latest releases are no exception. The 2023 vintage of the Grande Cuvée, "Beyond the Clouds," ranks in the top 100 of James Suckling's Italian Wines of the Year 2026, scoring 97 points — cementing its place as a symbol of Alto Adige and of the Walch estate.
“[With the] 2000 vintage, Alto Adige‘s first white ‘super cuvée’ was born, and today a multiple award-winning white icon of Italy: a parcel selection of the highest quality grapes from different grape varieties, fermented and matured together in wood. The different levels of maturity of the grape varieties and a selection that is already created in the vineyard are reflected in the untamed character of the cuvée. The wine should express the best of each vintage from Elena Walch's vineyards - year after year "Beyond the Clouds".”
In addition to this top drop, we’re happy to welcome the latest single varietal estate wines from Walch in the form of highly rated Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay - fresh, precise whites from an Alpine winery that's mastered the style.
Elena Walch was a trailblazer in Alto Adige when she introduced modern winemaking techniques and quality terroir-driven viticulture to her husband’s land in the late 1980s. Originally an architect by trade, Elena brought a fresh perspective to a traditionally-run establishment, promoting individual expression of the vineyards for several quality cuvees over ‘bulk’ wine production. The complex soils, incredible climactic conditions and ideal exposures ensure freshness and supple concentration in both the white and red wines.
Her daughters Karoline & Julia lead the estate’s operations today. The family is dedicated to sustainable practices and site-specific care, consistently producing some of the top-ranking wines of the region, including elegant whites from the estate’s high altitude single vineyards, “Castel Ringberg” in Caldaro, and “Vigna Kastelaz” in Tramin. These wines are certainly those to be treasured by wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Make it stand out
2023 Elena Walch ‘Beyond the Clouds’, Alto Adige Bianco DOC
“Aromas of dried apples, pears, crushed stones, rosewater and roses, as well as hints of vanilla, follow through to a medium to full body. Bright and crunchy with lovely layers of fruit. All barrel-fermented and aged 11 months. Up to 85% chardonnay with a mix of other white varieties. Drink or hold.” - James Suckling, 97 pts