Santa Cruz de Artazu blanco 2018

Wine description for Santa Cruz de Artazu blanco 2018 by Artazu

Colour & Appearance

Luminous pale gold in the glass, clear and brilliant – a wine that already hints at its concentration visually.

Nose

Restrained, yet precise: quince and yellow apple meet vibrant citrus notes. Beneath lies a fine mineral layer and subtle spice, promising complexity without being intrusive.

Palate

Here the wine reveals its true character. The texture is creamy, almost oily, yet counterbalanced by remarkable grip – a tension that carries the entire experience. Richness and linearity exist here not as opposites, but as perfect unity. The vibrant acidity keeps the fruit intensity in check without dominating it. This is no crowd-pleasing everyday wine, but a wine with character and edges.

Finish

Invigorating and long, with a subtle bitterness typical of Garnacha Blanca, lending the wine an additional dimension. Nothing sweet, no flattery – instead clarity and precision through to the end.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from two vineyard sites at 450 to 600 metres elevation in Navarra, with clay and calcareous soils that give the wine its mineral foundation and structure. An altitude that guarantees freshness.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Garnacha Blanca, an autochthonous variety of the Ebro region, brought to new life by Artazu. Fermentation in 500-litre oak barrels, followed by ageing on fine lees in stainless steel – a clever combination that adds texture without masking the fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Hake with salsa verde, green asparagus, pickled piquillo peppers from Navarra or the spicy Roncal cheese – all dishes that challenge and reward the structure and personality of this wine.

Special Characteristics

There are not many Garnacha Blancas with this personality and complexity. A structured, elegant white wine that proves this underrated variety is capable of greatness.