Lake Kaltern Classico Superiore Per Sé

Kalterersee as a serious matter: Elena Walch's Per Sé shows what the Vernatsch grape from the South Tyrolean classic region can achieve when it is consistently taken seriously in the vineyard and in the cellar.

The Elena Walch winery is one of South Tyrol's most renowned estates. Based in Tramin on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, the family cultivates single-vineyard wines on porphyry and limestone soils that impart structure and minerality to the wine. Only those who use grapes from the strictly defined Classico Superiore region around Lake Kaltern and meet minimum alcohol and aging requirements can use this designation – a demanding DOC quality level.

In the glass, a fresh ruby ​​red. The nose reveals morello cherry and violet, along with white pepper and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is light-bodied with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity—typical of Vernatsch, which, when of good origin, never feels heavy but rather fluid. The finish is dry and pleasantly tart.

• Serving temperature: 14–16 °C
• Food: South Tyrolean speck, grilled sausage, pasta with tomato sauce or light mushroom dishes
• Drinking window: now until 2027