Gorka Izagirre Txakoli 2025

Gorka Izagirre farms in D.O. Bizkaiko Txakolina, on the green Atlantic coast of the Basque Country near Bilbao. The winery grew out of a group of local growers and is tied to the Azurmendi restaurant, and its wines are built around Hondarrabi Zuri and the related Hondarrabi zuri zerratie, the traditional Txakoli varieties. The maritime climate is cool and damp, with high rainfall and constant sea influence, and the vines are trained high to catch air and light on the humid hillsides. Grapes are picked early to keep acidity bright, and fermentation in stainless steel preserves the wine's sharp, primary character. At 12 percent the alcohol is low, which keeps the palate light and lively. The colour is pale with green tints. The nose is fresh and coastal, with lemon, green apple, citrus peel and a clear saline, briny note over white flowers. The palate is crisp and incisive, the acidity high and the finish mineral and salty, sometimes with a light natural spritz. Serve it cold at 7 to 9 degrees in a white wine glass. It is built for shellfish, fried and grilled white fish and fresh salads.