G22 2023

Located in the heart of Biscay, in the Spanish Basque Country, the Gorka Izagirre vineyard stretches across steep slopes surrounding the Nervión River valley, not far from Bilbao. The plots for the G22 cuvée are planted on clay-limestone and marl soils, benefiting from the Atlantic influence which brings freshness, humidity, and regular winds. This mosaic of microclimates and exposures allows for the slow ripening of the indigenous grapes, resulting in a precise, vibrant white wine marked by a strong sense of place.

The grapes at Hondarrabi Zerratia are harvested by hand into small crates to preserve the integrity of the berries. After gentle pressing, the must is cold-settled and then ferments slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maintain aromatic purity. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months, with periodic stirring, still in stainless steel tanks, to gain volume, texture, and complexity while preserving the freshness and minerality characteristic of the Basque terroir.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , ripe pear , and citrus , complemented by delicate floral touches of white blossom and honeysuckle, as well as mineral nuances reminiscent of wet stone and chalk. Slightly herbaceous accents and a hint of salinity add complexity and tension. On the palate, the wine is ample yet taut, driven by lively acidity, a perfectly balanced creamy texture, and a long, precise, and refreshing finish.

The history of wine in Spain is so ancient that no one really knows who first brought the vines to the region. By the time the Phoenicians arrived some 3,000 years ago and founded the present-day cities of Cádiz and Jerez, viticulture was already well established, and Spanish wines were widely traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. You could say that Spain is a winemaking miracle. After years on the sidelines of the world of fine wines, it is now a major player. Investment and ambition in vineyards and wineries are resulting in increasingly rich, complex (often high in alcohol), and spicy reds that are gaining popularity with international consumers. Proud to have more land dedicated to vines than any other country, Spain is only now beginning to capitalize on this resource in a consistent way. Spain is a chaotic jumble of regions and subregions, much like its landscape is a chaotic jumble of incredibly rugged scenery. A glance at a map reveals the climatic diversity among Spain's many wine regions, from the lush, green vineyards of Galicia on the northern Atlantic coast to the parched vineyards of the southeastern Mediterranean. Spain's saving grace for viticulture is the average altitude of its vineyards, which is over 600 meters. Many Spanish vineyards are thus able to produce grapes with good color and acidity simply because nighttime temperatures are relatively low and the grapes don't ripen until after a sufficiently long growing season. But there is a real treasure trove to be found for those willing to dig, and now that a class of connoisseurs has developed in Spain, all sorts of ambitious investors have done their part to change the image of Spanish wine. Today, a new generation of winemakers has quietly begun to craft spectacular wines and experiment with grape varieties that would have been unthinkable not so long ago. Wine remains an important commodity and an integral part of Spanish culture.