The Cellar: Elena Walch’s ‘Beyond the Clouds’
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Elena Walch’s ‘Beyond the Clouds’
In this installment of our ongoing series ‘The Making of a World Class Wine’ I am highlighting Elena Walch’s iconic Chardonnay-based white blend ‘Beyond the Clouds.' More specifically, I will be featuring the 2011 vintage of this critically acclaimed wine; a wine that continues to impress wine critics across the world vintage after vintage.
Elena Walch
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Over the years Elena Walch has become one of the leading wineries in the region producing more than a dozen different wines from local varieties Lagrain and Schiava, as well as the international varieties including Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and most noticeably Gewürztraminer with which she makes some absolutely amazing wines. Elena’s work with Gewürztraminer is kind of legendary. It recently resulted in leading Italian food and wine magazine Gambero Rosso nicknaming her ‘the Queen of Gewürztraminer’. Today, the 136 acre Estate remains family-owned and operated, led by Elena Walch with her two daughters Julia and Karoline by her side.
‘Beyond the Clouds’ is a proprietary blend of predominantly Chardonnay and ‘a selection of the Estate’s finest white grapes’. The grapes are picked once the star of the wine, the Chardonnay, reaches optimum maturity. All varieties are then crushed, pressed and fermented together in new French oak barrels. After fermentation the wine is left to age in the same oak barrels for up to a year with regular lees stirring. This is done to increase richness and complexity. The finished wine is then bottle aged for an additional 6 months before release.
While the exact composition of the 2011 vintage is a house secret, I would guess that there is at least a splash of Gewürztraminer in it. The nose is brimming with exotic fruits and very aromatic flowers – a characteristic I often associate with Gewürztraminer. On the palate the tropical fruit notes are repeated, alongside nerving citrus and hints of toasty oak. There is an amazing density of flavor and length to this wine – a trademark of really well-made juice. You can literally still taste the wines 3 minutes after you’ve swallowed and the flavors continue to evolve as you are savoring it.
This is an outstanding bottle of wine; a wine that has the structure to age for up to a decade. At around $65 per bottle this is an ideal holiday gift to any serious wine lover, especially one who appreciates dry, aromatic and full bodied white wines.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
Rhode Island’s Best Wineries
Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport
This is the Rhode Island festival that all others are judged against. Newport Mansions Wine and Food is in its ninth year of bringing together sublime food talent in a gorgeous Newport setting. This year is no different as the main headliners are Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton. They don't stop there though...imagine hundreds of wines to be sampled on the lawn of Marble House, tasty treats from lots of local restaurants, and appearances by local chefs like Champe Speidel preparing and serving their creations. You've got a bona fide classic! Tickets starts at $135. www.newportmansions.org
Newport Vineyards, Middletown
This vineyard was originally planted in 1977 with the goal of preserving the coastal land. Captain Richard Alexander planted 10 acres of French-American grapes in 1977 with the help of his family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, in partnership with the Nunes family, Captain Alexander established his first winery. In 2002, the land was placed into perpetual preservation through a partnership between the Nunes Family, the Aquidneck Land Trust, and the State of Rhode Island.
Tours and tastings occur Sunday – Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and hourly on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $12 per person for 5 samples; $15 per person for 5 samples plus signature glass. 909 East Main Rd. 848-5161,www.newportvineyards.com
Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth
Located along the beautiful Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards has been in the family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Cortlandt Parker, the farm’s fourth generation, and his wife Nancy started to grow grapes here as a hobby in the 1960’s. In the early 80’s, the Parkers decided to embark on the development of a commercial vineyard. The focus is on conservation of open space, preservation of historic buildings and the education of its visitors. Tastings occur daily and cost $12 for 7 varietals; tours are daily at 2 p.m. and are *$15 per person for the tour and tasting. 582 Wapping Rd. 847-3777, www.greenvale.com
Langworthy Farm Winery, Westerly
Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical home site of Governor Samuel Ward. Owners Joe and Gail Sharry first planted vinifera grape vines in 2002 and produced the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel that same year. They now produce more than a dozen varietals, including 7 reds. Alongside the vineyard is a Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast that the Sharrys operate in season. Meals, of course, are always paired with house wines.
Tastings run daily from July 4 through Labor Day and are $7 per person for 5 wines. 308 Shore Rd. 322-7791, www.langworthyfarm.com
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton
A popular and iconic Rhode Island vineyard, Sakonnet was founded in 1975 and for over 30 years has pioneered the production of fine wines in New England. Several vinifera varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and the unique hybrid Vidal Blanc are grown, and Sakonnet also produces an award-winning Sparkling wine. This is Rhode Island’s largest vineyard, producing upwards of 30,000 cases annually.
Tours and tastings occur daily between noon and 3 and are $10. There is also a café and outdoor seating. 162 West Main Rd. 635-8486, www.sakonnetwine.com
