Doniene Gorrondona Beltza 2022

Doniene Gorrondona farms 12 hectares in Bakio, a Basque coastal valley between the Sollube and Jata mountains, including a rare two-hectare plot of pre-phylloxera Hondarrabi Beltza. The Atlantic terroir defines this red: south-facing slopes ripen the grapes, while the cool, damp maritime climate and short growing season keep alcohol low at under thirteen per cent and acidity high. Sandy soils in the upper vineyards and clay below feed a wine that is pale, fresh and aromatic rather than dense. Hondarrabi Beltza is the red counterpart to the white Txakoli grape, and it is made here in a young, unoaked style so the fruit and the salinity of the coast stay clear and unmasked. Without time in barrel the wine keeps its bright colour, crunchy texture and natural freshness. The nose shows tart red berries, red currant and cherry, with cracked black pepper, thyme and a sea-spray note. The palate is light to medium-bodied and brisk, the tannins fine and the finish dry and saline. Serve cool, at 13 to 14 degrees, with grilled oily fish, charcuterie or roast chicken.