There’s something about that first truly warm spring day that immediately makes me reach for rosé. serious. That’s exactly what happened when I pulled a bottle of Elena Walch 2024 Rosé from the fridge.
I was first introduced to Elena Walch through our Winephabet Street episode, which featured Karoline Walch discussing Lagrein. One conversation was all it took for me to become intrigued by the winery, their philosophy, and the wines coming out of Alto Adige. I enjoyed the wines so much that I eventually carried both their Lagrein and Rosé at Trio North Wildwood.
Now that we are entering full-on rosé season, opening this bottle felt like the perfect way to welcome warmer weather.
In the Glass
The name alone tells you something about the precision behind this wine. “20/26” refers to the winemaking process itself: grapes are harvested at 20 degrees Babo (a measure of sugar concentration at peak ripeness), and fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a carefully controlled temperature of 26°C.
The blend is Lagrein, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Lagrein, Alto Adige’s red grape, brings structure and depth. Pinot Noir contributes elegance and aromatic lift. Merlot rounds out the midpalate with gentle body and fruit. The winemaking uses the classic saignée method: the grape must sits briefly in contact with the skins, then the rose-colored juice is drawn off without pressing. This produces color, concentration, and texture without heaviness.
On the nose, fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas jump from the glass alongside hints of watermelon and delicate floral notes.
The palate is crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to drink. Bright red berry flavors lead the way with touches of citrus and a subtle minerality that keeps everything balanced and lively. There’s a freshness here that makes you immediately want another sip.
What I really enjoy about this rosé is that it manages to be refreshing while still having personality.
What I’d Pair It With
This is the kind of rosé that belongs on the porch, by the grill, or at the beach.
Perfect pairings include:
- Grilled shrimp
- Summer salads
- Charcuterie boards
- Prosciutto and melon
- Grilled chicken
- Tuna poke
- Goat cheese
Simply sipping it outside with friends
Honestly, this is the style of rosé that reminds you wine doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
Sometimes all you need is a warm day, a chilled bottle, and good conversation.
About the Winery
Elena Walch is one of the benchmark producers of Alto Adige, located in Italy’s northernmost wine region near the Austrian border. The winery is known for combining tradition with innovation while focusing heavily on sustainability and expressing the unique alpine terroir of the region.
What makes the story even more interesting is that Elena Walch herself came from an architecture background before marrying into a wine family and eventually transforming the winery into one of Italy’s most respected estates. Today, the winery is run alongside her daughters Julia and Karoline Walch, continuing the family’s commitment to quality winemaking.
Alto Adige’s dramatic mountain landscapes, cool nights, and sunny days help create wines with vibrant acidity, freshness, and purity — qualities that absolutely shine in this rosé.
