Astobiza Malkoa Txakoli

Product no.: 1213003

Producer: Bodega Astobiza

Name: Astobiza Malkoa Txakoli

Harvest: 2015

Variety: Ondarrabi Zuri

Country: Spain

Region: Basque Country/Basque Country

ABV: 13.00%

Wine Style: Quiet

Organic: Yes

Vegetarian: No

Vegan: No

Producer summary: Astobiza Estate are boutique producers of Txakoli. The small winery is based in Okondo, in the province of Álava, just 20 kilometers southwest of Bilbao, and has 10 hectares of vineyards. The focus of the estate is on the indigenous Ondarrabi Zuri grape, with smaller plantations of Ondarrabi Zuri Zerriatie (Petit Courbu) and Izkirota (Gros Manseng). The grapes, which are planted in low densities at 300 meters above sea level, are picked by hand and protected from the strong Atlantic winds by the surrounding hills.

Short Tasting Note: Notes of citrus, grapefruit and herbs on the nose, in the mouth it is well structured and complex.

Long tasting notes: This wine is named after the chalk-stained Malkoa package. Planted in 1996, the plot is just under two hectares and the vines are planted on a calcareous slope facing south. This complex white is unique because it is made with exceptionally ripe 100% Ondarrabi Zuri grapes and is the first txakoli aged in an egg-shaped concrete tank. There it spends 20 months on lees, which gives the wine a great structure and aging potential, as well as a marked fresh Atlantic character. Citrus and grapefruit aromas, with notes of fresh aromatic herbs, spices and balsamic touches. Powerful, structured and complex, but refreshing in the mouth, with a long length. Perfect to pair with oysters, scallops, tuna tartare and fresh fish dishes.

Awards: 2020 IWC Silver (2016 Vintage), 2020 Decanter Silver (2016 Vintage), 2019 Decanter Bronze (2015 Vintage)