IZAR-LEKU Espumoso/Sparkling Brut Nature 2018

Wine Description for IZAR-LEKU Espumoso/Sparkling Brut Nature 2018 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with elegant, fine perlage – the bubbles rise steadily and evenly, a hallmark of traditional bottle fermentation and extended ageing on lees.

Nose

An Atlantic sparkling wine par excellence: The first impression reveals yellow apples and pears, alongside citrus in all shades from yellow to green. The proximity to the sea manifests itself through salty breeze, iodine and oyster shell, whilst wet stone provides mineral freshness. With some air, a creamy complexity develops: fresh cake batter, brioche, vanilla and ripe stone fruit join lemon balm and mint.

Palate

Impressive pressure and tension from the very first moment. The fine mousseux caresses the palate with elegance, whilst citrus and tree fruit form the foundation. Greengage, chalk and a herbal-fresh note of salted lemon provide structure and depth. The salty component integrates perfectly and lends the wine its distinctive maritime identity. Creamy texture, subtle brioche notes and fine toasty aromas from the lees ageing round out the picture without overwhelming the crystalline freshness.

Finish

Long, salty-mineral and refreshing with lingering citrus notes and a hint of limestone. The fine yeasty character remains present, whilst the salty breeze echoes on for some time.

Terroir & Origin

From the Basque Guipúzcoa on the Atlantic coast, the heartland of Txakoli production. The maritime climate and proximity to the sea fundamentally shape the character of this extraordinary sparkling wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Predominantly Hondarrabi Zuri with small portions of Hondarrabi Beltza. Unlike the typically lightly sparkling Txakoli, this wine is vinified using méthode traditionnelle with extended lees ageing (sur lattes) – a vintage cuvée with ambition and depth.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Tailor-made for oysters, scallops, sea urchin and other seafood. Excellent with ceviche, sushi or sashimi. Also a revelation with grilled fish, calamares or classic Basque pintxos.

Special Features

A rarity outside the Basque Country. With this sparkling wine, Artadi demonstrates that the local Txakoli grape varieties are capable of great elegance and complexity – a maritime sparkling wine with distinctive character and impressive finesse.