THE DREAM OF JULIA AND KAROLINE WALCH TAKES SHAPE: WITH MONCALISSE, A NEW ESTATE DEDICATED TO THE ART OF TRENTODOC IS BORN

At the foot of Monte Calisio, a geologically and historically significant mountain ridge northeast of Trento, Moncalisse is taking shape: a new estate at 600 meters above sea level, born from the vision and dedication of Julia and Karoline Walch, sisters from the renowned winemaking family Walch in Alto Adige.

Twelve hectares of vineyards extend across the slopes, combining geological diversity with a fresh, alpine microclimate. Here lies a terroir offering ideal conditions for producing complex and long-lived Trentodoc sparkling wines. 

Moncalisse stands as an independent entity within the Walch family, with its own name, character, and identity, distinct from the Elena Walch estate. With this new project, Julia and Karoline open a new chapter entirely devoted to the art of Trentodoc.

“A dream has become reality. When we first saw this vineyard in 2016, it was love at first sight,” say Julia and Karoline Walch. “We immediately knew that this was the ideal terroir to create one of the most authentic and refined expressions of Trentodoc. The altitude, geological diversity, and fresh microclimate provide perfect conditions for sparkling wines with structure, precision, and remarkable ageing potential.”

“The vineyard of Moncalisse is also a place steeped in history and fascination,” they continue. “We were especially moved by the discovery of the Coppelle – ancient rock carvings dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, found within the vineyard. These millennia-old markings, likely of symbolic and ritual significance, give the place a unique cultural and spiritual dimension. For us, they are a powerful sign, a reminder that this land was considered special even in ancient times. With Moncalisse, we wish to continue this dialogue between time and soil, reinterpreting it in a contemporary way.”

The Head Winemaker of Moncalisse, Stefano Bolognani, brings experience, dedication, and precision to this young estate. Passionate about the distinct identity of this high-altitude terroir, he crafts sparkling wines with clarity, character, and personality, marked by minerality, subtle salinity, and elegant freshness. Odilon de Varine, renowned oenologist from the Champagne region, supports the project as mentor and guide, contributing his deep understanding of great French terroirs. “Being part of the birth of Moncalisse was not a challenge in the usual sense,” explains de Varine. “The foundations were excellent: a vineyard with old vines providing complexity and depth, an experienced winemaker, a family with vision and history. It was, rather, the joy of embarking on a new and inspiring journey together with Julia, Karoline, and Stefano, taking on ambitious goals. Together, we created a perfect alchemy that leads Trentodoc toward new horizons.”

The vineyards of Moncalisse are planted exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At the heart of the estate lies a south-facing historic parcel of one hectare, planted with old Chardonnay vines. Thanks to careful restoration, these traditional Pergola-trained vines have been preserved. Moncalisse is a place of quiet and focus, where the union between oenological precision and respect for nature is celebrated. Guided by a philosophy rooted in sustainability and biodiversity, the wines can fully express their identity. The microclimate is characterized by strong day–night temperature shifts, supported by the air currents of the surrounding mountains and a gentle southwesterly breeze in the afternoon. In winter, the nearby Lake Caldonazzo softens the cold, protecting the vines from frost.

Moncalisse debuts with two wines of great complexity and elegance, both produced Metodo Classico and expressing the finest spirit of Trentodoc: The Montis Arcentarie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Riserva 2017 originates from the historic parcel of old Chardonnay vines, whose southern exposure and deep roots lend structure and depth. Its name pays homage to the silver mines of Monte Calisio, which shaped the region in the Middle Ages. Vinification takes place in stainless steel, with a small portion aged in barriques, followed by 80 months of bottle ageing on the lees. Dégorgement in January 2025.The Millesimato Extra Brut Riserva 2019, also produced from estate-grown grapes, gracefully embodies the fresh finesse of its terroir. Fermentation occurs 80% in stainless steel and 20% in used French oak barriques, followed by 56 months of bottle ageing on the lees, resulting in a wine of structure, depth, clarity, and precision.

“We are a young and ambitious winery, driven by the highest standards to bring out the individual character of each vintage and every single parcel,” say Julia and Karoline Walch. “This ambition is our pride and our motivation; in the future, we will introduce Capsule Collections, limited editions, that reveal the endless nuances and expressions of Moncalisse.”

The deep connection to the landscape is also reflected in the architecture of the new, mostly underground winery, scheduled to open in spring 2026 at the heart of the vineyard. The project includes a bistrot and a wine bar, designed as a space that blends hospitality and identity. Designed by the Alto Adige architect David Stuflesser in collaboration with Nadia Moroder, the building features harmonious curves, flowing lines, and softly embedded underground volumes. It is a contemporary reinterpretation of the round, gentle shapes rooted in both the landscape and the cultural memory of the region. With visual and conceptual references to the ancient Coppelle – the historic rock carvings still visible in the vineyard – and to the “white pearls” of sparkling wine, the architecture unites functional precision and clarity of design in a language that connects past, present, and future. The architecture itself inspired the Moncalisse logo, which reflects this circular and symbolic aesthetic. Based on the architectural floor plan viewed from above, it forms a double shape symbolizing both the letter M for Moncalisse and the bond between Julia and Karoline, founders of the project. A purist yet profoundly meaningful symbol that encapsulates the essence of Moncalisse: origin and ambition, precision and depth, past and future.

Founded in 2016 by Julia and Karoline Walch of the renowned Elena Walch winery, Moncalisse is a new sparkling wine estate in the heart of the Trentodoc region, at the foot of Monte Calisio in Trentino. Dedicated entirely to the art of the Metodo Classico, Moncalisse draws its character from altitude, a fresh mountain climate, geological diversity, and extended lees ageing. Together, these elements make Moncalisse a distinct expression of Italian sparkling wine excellence. Two Trentodoc wines mark the beginning of this journey: Montis Arcentarie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Riserva 2017 and Millesimato Extra Brut Riserva 2019 – both Metodo Classico and embodying the values of time, character, and precision.