Itsasmendi Eklipse 2021

Itsasmendi was founded in 1994 in Gernika, in the Basque Country, and is one of the leading producers of Bizkaiko Txakolina, a denomination far better known for crisp white Txakoli. Eklipse is part of the winery's push to revive red wine here, built mainly on Pinot Noir with a little of the local white grape Hondarrabi Zuri. The setting is cool and maritime, close to the Bay of Biscay, where Atlantic rain and moderate temperatures make for a long, gentle growing season. That cool climate keeps alcohol restrained and acidity high, which suits Pinot Noir's delicate, perfumed style. Co-fermenting a small share of white grapes lifts the aromatics and softens the texture. Ten months in barrel adds a light spice frame and rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange without weighing the wine down. It is pale to medium ruby, with a nose of red cherry, raspberry and rose over earthy, peppery notes and a saline freshness from the coastal site. The palate is light to medium bodied, fresh and silky, with red fruit and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve cool, at 14 to 16 degrees. It suits roast poultry, duck and mushroom dishes.