2022 Península Vino Atlántico Bizkaiko Txakolina

From a very special single vineyard and also from a very rare and special grape.

As the importer explains:

‘Vino Atlántico’ Blanco comes from a single, 17-acre vineyard called Saratsu, located in Amorebieta, Bizkaia (Biscay). The steep (20%), south-facing hillside parcel on marly-clay soils receives excellent light exposure, allowing the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness in this cool Atlantic climate, heavily influenced by the Cantabrian Sea 18 miles away. It is made from Hondarrabi Zerratia (also known as Petit Courbu in France), which tends to have lower yields, smaller berries and more aromatic complexity than the more widely planted Hondarrabi Zuri. The goal with this wine is to contribute to a new generation of age worthy, complex, terroir-driven Txakoli.

Indeed, this Txakoli has almost the richness, weight and “seriousness” of a top white Burgundy. The importer again:

This Txacoli is complex and aromatic, with zesty citrus, green apple, and a hint of saline minerality. Lees aging adds a soft, nutty depth to its crisp, electric finish.

It also earned 93 points as a top Txakoli from Tim Atkin, the leading UK authority on Spanish wines.