Ehrmanns partners with Txakoli producers Astobiza Estate
20 September 2018
Ehrmanns has enriched its Iberian portfolio by partnering with boutique Txakoli producers, Astobiza Estate.
The small-scale winery is based in Okondo in the Álava province, just 12 miles to the south west of Bilbao, and owns 10 hectares of vineyards. The focus of the estate is on the indigenous Ondarrabi Zuri grape, with smaller plantings of Ondarrabi Zuri Zerriatie (Petit Courbu) and Izkirota (Gros Manseng). The grapes, which are planted at low densities at 300 metres above sea level, are all handpicked and protected from harsh Atlantic winds by surrounding hills.
Astobiza focuses on artisanal winemaking methods and produces a classic Txakoli from a single vineyard, which has characteristic zesty acidity and varietal aromas of white, stone and citrus fruit as well as mineral undertones.
In addition, the winery produce a single plot Txakoli, named after the chalk soiled Malkoa parcel. Planted in 1996, the plot is just short of two hectares and vines are planted on a chalky south facing slope on Mt. Ganekagorta. This complex white is unique in that it is made from exceptionally ripe 100% Ondarrabi Zuri grapes and is the first Txakoli to have been aged in a concrete egg shaped tank. There it spends 20 months on lees, which lends the wine great structure and ageing potential, as well as a marked fresh Atlantic character.
Another exciting listing from Astobiza is a single vineyard late harvest white from 100% Izkirota.
Ehrmanns Director, Peter J Dauthieu, said: “As sales of wines to be enjoyed with food continue to increase, this highly gastronomic estate is enjoying international recognition for its handmade wines. Astobiza Estate enriches Ehrmanns current Spanish portfolio, which specialises in wines from the Iberian Peninsula.”
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