Bodegas Itsasmendi, Bizkaiko Txakolina "Eklipse" Red 2017

48% of Hondarrabi Beltza from our Gorliz (1.1 ha) and Muskiz (0.75 ha) vineyards, 42% of Pinot Noir, and 10% of Cabernet Franc (Berdexa Zarie) from the Basarte de Bakio area. The vines are over 20 years old, situated within what is known as a Cantabrian holm oak grove. Soils of clay and limestone origin.

Fermented in stainless steel conical tanks and aged for 10 months in a 2,000 litre French oak vat to bring structure and complexity.

A bright red color, aromatic intensity of ripe black fruits highlighted by herbaceous notes such as sage, mint and tobacco. Subtle balsamic notes also give it a fresh touch. Tertiary aromas such as chocolate, roasted nuts, and even caramel noticeable in the background.

In the mouth it has a fresh entry, fruity and floral. At the end it leaves some nutty flavors and its acidity is well balanced with the characteristic bitterness of Hondarrabi, overall, a delicate but gastronomic red wine.

Itsasmendi was created by a group of friends, many of which have worked in the winery that functions like a small cooperative in Guernica. They have a total of 37.5 hectares of vineyards in 15 different plots within the Bizkaiko Txakolina appellation, mostly local grapes but also some Riesling that has been there for 30 years now. A distinctly Atlantic climate, the broad geological and microclimatic diversity that give rise to at least 3 different weeks of ripening and a vinicultural philosophy of maximum respect for the environment. The use of indigenous varieties with a notable earthy character such as Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie accentuate the wealth provided by Nature. They make around 200,000 bottles per vintage.

Their main objective is the search for the maximum oenological potential of each small ecosystem created in the vineyards, with character and originality.