Gorka Izagirre’s G22 bottling is 100 percent Hondarribi Zuri, one of the Basque region’s native grapes. The clusters were de-stemmed but the berries were treated to sealed carbonic maceration for 12 hours. The must was then fermented cold, and the wine aged sur lie for eight months, with bâtonnage daily for the first three months. It was racked, bottled at 12 months, and rested another six months before release.
The color is yellow gold, with a ripe fragrance of russet and yellow apple skin, Bosc pear, and something autumnal, like sweet dried leaves and hay. The palate is gilded, with round, mouth-filling apple and white peach, and a finish that’s almost tawny. Perfectly balanced acidity lifts the finish. This isn’t an oaked wine but could please those who like that style, and it is a terrific deal.
2020 Gorka Izagirre G22 Bizkaiko Txakolina DO
13% ABV | $22 (sample); imported by Araex Grands
