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 mousse displays itself persistently and fine-bubbled – a sign of extended yeast ageing.

Nose

A fascinating aromatic profile between Atlantic freshness and yeast maturation complexity. Initially yellow apples, pears and citrus-fresh notes dominate, accompanied by a salty sea breeze and wet stone. With air contact, a creamy dimension develops: brioche, fresh cake dough, ripe stone fruit and subtle vanilla. Delicate accents of lemon balm, mint, iodine and oyster shell underscore the maritime origin.

Palate

Impressive entry with precise pressure and taut structure. Freshness takes centre stage, carried by a fine, creamy mousseux. Citrus and tree fruit meet greengage, chalk and a herbal-fresh salted lemon. The salty minerality integrates perfectly and lends the wine tension. Simultaneously, brioche and subtle roasted notes provide depth and creaminess – a successful balance between finesse and substance.

Finish

Long, salty-mineral with sustained freshness. The citrus-fresh notes linger, accompanied by fine yeast spice and an invigorating, slightly herbal note.

Terroir & Origin

From the Basque region of Guipúzcoa on the Atlantic coast, the heartland of Txakoli production. Proximity to the sea fundamentally shapes the wine – salinity, iodine notes and cool minerality are direct expressions of this unique terroir.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Hondarrabi Zuri with small portions of Hondarrabi Beltza. Vinified according to méthode traditionelle with extended yeast ageing (sur lattes) – far removed from the typical, lightly sparkling Txakoli. Artadi demonstrates here what potential lies within these local grape varieties.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Oysters, scallops, seafood in general, ceviche, sushi, grilled fish, pintxos with anchovies or sardines, goat’s cheese. The salty minerality makes it the ideal companion to Basque cuisine.

Special Features

A rare vintage sparkling wine from autochthonous Basque grape varieties that far exceeds the regional Txakoli standard. Artadi’s interpretation demonstrates Champagne ambitions with a distinctive Atlantic identity.