FRA_GG_N45-WEB

ITALY
– VINEYARDS –
As examples of quality mountain winegrowing, we have
chosen 7 representative wineries in northern Italy.
The modern Nals Margreid winery, renovated in 2011, combines art,
sustainability and technology
NALS MARGREID
The history of Nals Margreid dates back to 1764, when
the Von Campi estate was built on the exact site where
the winery stands today. In 1932, the Nalles Winery was
founded and in 1985 it merged with Magrè to form Nals
Margreid.
The winery is in South Tyrol, at the point where
Tyrolean and Mediterranean cultures meet. The peaks
of the Alps and the Dolomites frame a landscape which
bears witness to a winegrowing tradition dating back
thousands of years. The roughly 160-hectare vineyard is
farmed by 138 families who have 14 vineyards between
Nalles, in the Adige Valley, and Magrè. The vineyards
are located between 200 and 900 metres above sea level,
on soils with differing characteristics, microclimate and
exposure.
The winery has always aimed to produce wines
encapsulating Alpine freshness, the symbiosis with the
terroir, an international flavour and elegance. Mountain
viticulture is characterised by historic vineyards at
high altitudes which, combined with the experience of
vineyard technicians and winemakers, means that the
wines are not affected by global warming.
The average annual production is 1,000,000 bottles and
the domestic market is very important, although wine is
exported to 36 countries worldwide.
Biodiversity in the area where Elena Walch’s vineyards
are situated has been sensitively preserved
ELENA WALCH
Elena Walch is one of South Tyrol’s leading wineries. A
promoter of quality and innovation, it has helped lead
the South Tyrolean wine revolution. An architect by
profession, Elena married the heir to one of the oldest
winemaking families in South Tyrol and today her
daughters Julia and Karoline Walch, (educated in France
and Australia) run the company.
The winery produces terroir-driven wines. To achieve this,
it takes an uncompromising approach, showing respect
for the characteristics of each individual vineyard site.
Among its 60 bearing hectares, the two ‘Cru’ vineyards,
Vigna Castel Ringberg in Kaltern and Vigna Kastelaz in
Tramin, are noteworthy.
86 AUTUMN 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE