The vineyards for this Astobiza Txakoli are filled with the Ondarrabi Zuri grape. These grapes thrive in wetter and colder climates. This is precisely why this grape is found almost exclusively in the Basque Country. The average temperature is 12 degrees Celsius with considerable rainfall. The vineyards for this white Astobiza are situated at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. Here, the Ondarrabi Zuri grapes thrive. Astobiza grows its grapes without pesticides. This requires a lot of extra work in the vineyards, but it ensures the Txakoli wine is exceptionally pure. A fun and interesting fact is that this winery was the first to achieve CO2-neutral certification. Once the grapes have reached the right ripeness after a wet and cold growing season, the winemaker will begin the harvest. This harvest is carried out entirely by hand, ensuring a strict selection of the fruit. The bunches are then carefully transported in small crates to the winery, where they undergo further selection on long sorting tables. You guessed it: only the finest and best fruit is good enough for this traditional white wine. After vinification, the wine is aged for several months in the Astobiza cellars to further enhance its finesse.
What a beautiful bottle! The classic, traditional Basque label already piqued our curiosity. We carefully opened the bottle and poured this beautiful wine into the glass. We were met with a rich straw yellow color that brought a pleasant, fresh green shimmer. Nosing the glass, we noted hints of ripe pineapple, citrus, freshly mown grass, and a pleasant mineral undertone. We were incredibly curious about the taste; why are the Basques so crazy about this wine? Well, we've finally found out! A wonderfully clean palate stimulates all the taste buds on the tongue. The citrus notes create a taut, textured experience. In the middle, we tasted hints of tropical fruit, giving the wine a slightly plump structure. The finish is soft and fresh with a mild undertone that makes it the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes or the well-known tapas. A real winner, if you ask us.
