Oxer Kalamity 2024

Oxer Bastegieta began making Txakoli in his family winery in Kortezubi, in Bizkaia, before moving to study viticulture and oenology and settling in Laguardia, in Rioja Alavesa, in 2009. Kalamity is the culmination of his work in the area, made from a very old vineyard that, in the traditional Rioja Alavesa manner, is co-planted as a field blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and the white grapes Garnacha Blanca and Viura. Co-planting and co-fermenting red and white varieties is an old regional practice that adds aromatic lift and freshness. Rioja Alavesa sits at altitude on poor limestone and clay soils, and the cool nights and old, low-yielding vines concentrate the fruit while preserving acidity. The wine is aged 14 months in oak, the barrel softening the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and adding subtle spice without dominating the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows black fruits such as blackberry alongside red cherry and strawberry, with black pepper, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy base, and the palate is medium to full bodied at 13.5 percent, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs well with roast lamb and grilled red meats. Farming is sustainable.