In the Discover Spain 2024 – Special report by Tim Atkin, he rates some of our txakolis. Here are his notes.
- Itsasmendi Leioa Paradisuak Vino de Parcela 2020 – 96 POINTS
País Vasco. Bizkaiko Txakolina. 13.5%
One of a series of wines focused on different terroirs within Bizkaiko Txakolina, this comes from Itsasmendi’s Hondarrabi Zuri Peruri vineyard in Leioa. Made in large concrete eggs where it is aged for 15 months, this is an aromatic white with pretty white floral aromas and a palate of serious substance and drive. The finish is mouthwateringly stony. Only 2,380bottles were made. 2024 – 2030.
- Itsasmendi Itsasmendi 7 Magnum 2018 – 95 POINTS
País Vasco. Bizkaiko Txakolina. 13.5%
It was great to taste this in magnum where the wine has been able to develop some serious complexity. It still offers up typically fresh and salty seaside aromas and attractive pithy bitterness but with some age, it is now highly textured, broad and showing off its full expression. At the same time, it hasn’t lost any of its racy acid backbone. 2024 – 2028.
- Itsasmendi Morga Paradisuak 2020 – 93 PUNTOS
País Vasco. Bizkaiko Txakolina. 13.5%
This is one of Itsas Mendi’s single vineyard wines featuring Hondarrabi Zuri grown on slate and calcareous soils. The wine has a little barrel ageing which brings a balsamic note and nicely frames the wine. Gentle spice and honey notes on the nose, this leads to bright citrus fruit and impressive concentration. 2024 – 2027.
- Itsasmendi Itsasmendi 7 2019 – 92 PUNTOS
País Vasco. Bizkaiko Txakolina. 13.5%
A complex Txakolí with lots of character. Aromas of lime, grape and even a bit of Campari bitterness lead to a palate with a stony, petrichor drive. There´s some weight here with a slightly oily texture and a Riesling-like kerosene note. The wine finishes austere and bone dry which is appealingly morish. 2024 – 2027.
