Izar-Leku Espumoso is a sparkling wine from Gipuzkoa, which is located in the north of Spain and is characterised by the climate of the Cantabrian mountains. This dry sparkling wine is produced according to the traditional method from the autochthonous grapes Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza. Viticulture in this region dates back to the Middle Ages and it was pilgrims who brought the viticultural culture originating from northern Europe to the Gipuzkoa region. Brioche and fresh citrus notes, ripe pear, juicy mirabelle plum and salty mineral notes accompany the lively perlage of the Izar-Leku Espumoso. Ideal accompaniment to seafood and fish dishes.

Attributes

Origin:	Spain / País Vasco
Grape variety:	Hondarribi Zuri, Hondarribi Beltza
Label:	Certified organic or biodynamic wine
Ripening potential:	1 to 3 years after purchase
Drinking temperature:	6 to 8 °C
Food Pairing:	Oysters, Giant crevettes, grilled langoustines, Mussels au gratin
Vinification:	fermentation in wooden barrel, bottle fermentation, fermentation in steel tank, soft pressing
Harvest:	hand-picking
Maturation:	on the yeast
Maturation duration:	34 months
Volume:	12.5 %
Note:	Contains sulphites

Producer

Viñedos Lacalle y Laorden

In 2015 the two families of Zapiain and Lopez de Lacalle launched the Izar-Leku Mahastiak project (today Grupo Artadi) in Zarautz/Basque Country, with the aim of producing a table wine as well as a sparkling wine with Txakoli as the base wine. Today this sparkling wine is part of the "Viñedos Lacalle y Laorden" company - just like the premium single-vineyard wine "Viña El Pisón", though this wine comes from the Álava/Rioja region.

Txakoli is a traditional white wine from Spain's Basque Country, made from the native grape varieties of Hondarribi Zuri (white grape, proportion approx. 90%) and Hondarribi Beltza (red grape, proportion approx. 10%), which has developed from a wine that was traditionally enjoyed in local taverns or at home in the family circle into a wine with its own "DO" and strong reputation.

Country

Spain

Spain – Variety and perfection

“Somewhere in la Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember...,” begins Don Quixote's odyssey.

The most famous part is definitely when Don Quixote thinks windmills are his enemy and wants to fight them – until they nearly kill him. It’s possible there was a bit too much of the La Mancha wine at play. Spanish vines fight for their survival in rugged landscapes, battling fierce drought and rough soils. But they fight well.

Rating

Parker 95 Points