KYSELA® Alleme Txakolina 2019 (Getariako Txakolina, Spain) – 6058238017695

Notes from the Winemaker:
After harvesting and pressing, the must is left to ferment in stainless steel tanks. Traditionally, and until recently, this was done in oak or chestnut barrels, called kupels, in Basque. Fermentation lasts 20–25 days and then the txacolí is left to lie on its lees. The CO2 prevents oxidation and dissolves the sediments and gives the wine its sparkling characteristic. The wines is not racked so it does not lose its sparkle and is clarified by natural sedimentation by gravity in the tank or barrel. Traditionally, the wine is tasted on the feast of San Antonio on 17 January, which is known as Txacolí Day (Txacoli Eguna, in Basque).

A very fruity, crisp and clean white from Spain’s Basque Country with a slight spritz (due to fermentation), citrus and exotic fruits, mineral and floral notes. Good balance and bright acidity.

Ratings & Reviews

Excellent/Exceptional – The Washington Post:
“This invigorating wine, a year younger than the Zudugarai, is a tad racier, more on the citrusy side of the flavor spectrum.”

91 Points – Vinous (2017 Vintage):
“Limpid yellow. Fresh citrus and orchard fruits, white flowers and a touch of dusty minerals on the nose. Silky and taut on the palate, offering juicy tangerine and green apple flavors that become spicier on the back half. Finishes with sharp focus, solid, citrusy punch and very good tenacity, leaving a bitter lime pith note behind.” – Josh Raynolds (March 2019)

Wine Enthusiast (2016 Vintage):
“Fresh pear and apple aromas are light, simple and clean. Like almost all Txakoli, this is acidic and highly citric in feel, with flavors of lemon and underripe pineapple.” – Michael Schachner (2/1/2018)

90 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media (2015 vintage):
“Pale gold. Spicy and focused on the nose, displaying fresh citrus and orchard fruit aromas as well as hints of salty minerals and jasmine. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering bitter lemon pith and pear skin flavors that spread out on the back half. Finishes with very good persistence, leaving mineral and floral notes behind. In a relatively ample style for a Txakoli but not at all short on vibrancy.” – Josh Raynolds (Jan 2017)