Learn about the vibrant flavors of Txakoli wine amidst breathtaking Basque landscapes. Explore our comprehensive guide. Plan your trip today! Read more
Itsasmendi Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED SPANISH WINERIES
Last updated: January 4, 2024
Winery Overview
Founded in 1995, Itsasmendi Winery initially resided in Muskiz before moving to its magnificent location in 2002. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Urdaibai Biodiversity Reserve, the winery boasts vineyards with steep slopes that overlook the stunning Bay of Biscay, perfectly capturing the essence of its name, “Itsasmendi,” meaning sea and mountain in Basque. The winery’s recognition owes much to the collaborative efforts of partner and Technical Director Gari Ríos, along with fellow vine growers and winemakers who united in 1989 to revitalize viticulture in the Bizkaia region. This led to the establishment of the appellation controlee or Dominación de Origen (D.O. Bizkaiko Txakolina) in 1994, marking a pivotal moment for the ancient wine region. Since then, Itsasmendi and its founders have played a significant role in the region’s flourishing.
The winery is a state-of-the-art facility, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings while demonstrating the utmost respect for the environment. Its success lies in unwavering dedication and a deep understanding of these lands’ complex terroir. With a solid commitment to evolution and innovation, Itsasmendi’s triumph is built on these foundations. The annual production, averaging at a modest 200,000 bottles across their range of five wines, reflects the winery’s focus on quality rather than quantity. However, production volumes can vary significantly in certain vintages, particularly when mildew, a common fungal disease in this cool climate, takes hold.
Itsasmendi excels in producing traditional style, fresh, and high-acidity Txakoli, aptly named Itsasmendi. They take immense pride in their 2016 vintage. Moreover, one of Gari and his team’s objectives were to create a Txakoli with more body to complement the rich Basque gastronomy, and this ambition has been realized in their flagship wine, Itsasmendi 7. Artizar, produced from meticulously selected areas in different vineyards, undergoes fermentation in oak vats and ages on the lees within the same vat. Ureti, on the other hand, is a delightfully sweet wine crafted from late-harvested Hondarrabi Zuri and a small percentage of Izkiriot Handi. Finally, Eklipse, a captivating red wine, is a fusion of Pinot Noir and Hondarrabi Beltza.
For wine enthusiasts, Itsasmendi offers an enchanting experience, with their remarkable and inspiring wines waiting to be sampled and savored in the breathtakingly beautiful town of Gernika, located in the heart of the Basque Country.
Wines produced
-
Txakoli Itsasmendi
Both Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie grapes from a wide range of vineyards with their differing microclimates and soils are used. The harvest therefore being carried out for 3 weeks or more depending on the maturity of the different plots. 12% Alc. This young Txakoli is crisp with grapefruit notes and a touch of dry grass. Ideal for sipping with seafood, Idiazabal cheese (a buttery, smokey Basque cheese from sheep’s milk) and particularly good with fried tapas, as the acidity cuts through the fat. -
Itsasmendi 7
Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie and Riesling. This blend benefits from several months on its lees in stainless steel vats providing a fuller bodied, more structured and smooth Txakoli, capable of considerable cellar ageing. 14% alc. Long and intense with floral and grapefruit aromas and slight balsamic notes. Fantastic with scallops, Tuna Ventresca and buttery fish dishes. -
Itsasmendi Artizar
100% Hondarrabi Zuri. This is Itsasmendi’s oaked example. Fermentation in French oak vats and then aged in the same vats for 7 to 8 months on its lees. The result is a much more complex, almost fatty texture. 13.7% alc. Works well with grilled seafood, white meat dishes and mild spicy foods. -
Itsasmendi Uretzi
Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie and a small percentage of Izkiriot Handi. This is Itsasmendi’s sweetie; late harvest ripening allowing for botrytis rot to take place gaining a residual sugar of 90-100g, whilst still maintaining a good acidity. 12% alc. Beautiful golden yellow, orange peel and honey aromas with spiced notes from its short time in oak. Sweet and dense with a balanced acidity. -
Itsasmendi Eklipse
Pinot Noir, Hondarrabi Beltz and Berdexa Zarie. This unique wine started as a R&D project in association with Bizkaia Council and has given way to a fascinating Atlantic Red Txakoli. Predominantly from the Muskiz vineyards, where the influence of the Bay of Biscay is apparent. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in 2000L French Oak vats for 10 months. 13.5% alc. Great with rich fish dishes.
Winery Contact Details
Itsasmendi
Barrio Arane, 348300 Gernika-Lumo
Bizkaia, Spain
Email: [email protected]
Tel +34 94 627 0316
Fax Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Bizkaiko Txakolina (Bizkaia Txakoli)
Founded
Founded 2002 at current site (previously at Muskiz from 1995)
Area under Vine
35 ha over 15 different plots
Age of vines
20 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Bingen Mendizabal and Gari Ríos
Owner
Gari Ríos
Production
200,000 bottles per annum
Grape varietals
Hondarrbi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie, Pinot Noir, Izkiriot Handi, Hondarrabi Beltz, Berdexa Zarie
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
-
Hondarrbi Zuri
Unveiling the charm of the Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Explore its origins, unique flavor profile, and its role in crafting exquisite Txakoli wines.
Find out more -
Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie
Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie is a captivating white grape variety originating from the coastal regions of the Basque Country. Thriving in the cool climate and mineral-rich soils, it produces wines with vibrant acidity, lively citrus flavors, and a delightful minerality. Particularly renowned for its role in the production of Txakoli, a traditional Basque wine, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie offers wine enthusiasts a refreshing and distinctive taste experience, showcasing the unique terroir and flavors of the region.
-
Cabernet Franc (Berdexa Zarie)
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
Find out more -
Hondarrabi Beltza
Hondarrabi Beltza is a captivating red grape variety from the Basque Country, known for producing vibrant and fruit-forward wines. With its deep color, lively acidity, and enticing red berry aromas, Hondarrabi Beltza offers a unique taste of the coastal terroir and the lesser-known side of Basque winemaking.
-
Izkiriot Handi
Izkiriot Handi is a rare, intriguing red grape from the Basque Country. With limited cultivation, it produces unique wines with notes of red fruits, herbs, and subtle earthy undertones. Despite its lesser-known status, Izkiriot Handi offers wine enthusiasts a chance to discover the distinctive flavors of Basque winemaking heritage.
-
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
