ERLAITZA Chardonnay from the Basque Ledge, White

LOCATION

Grapes grown on the outskirts of the Basque Ledge, 100 metres above sea level. The plots are located on the crest of the first fold of the Pyrenées and overlook the  Ocean, over a panoramic view going from mountain greens to ocean blue. A mythical and spectacular landscape, protected by the Coastal conservation authority.

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MILLÉSIME

Erlaitza is a blend of our three first vintages: 2011, 2012 and 2015. Made with perfectly healthy grapes, tanned on the southside and of a slightly-clear yellowish  and deep green on the west side. These years were characterised by intense weather conditions, and helped develop  the right blend of tannin to sweetness »

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LAND

The Basque Ledge’s Flysch, abundantly studied by the international scientific community, provides a snapshot of several million years condensed in only a few meters. This geological pileup,which results from the formation of the Pyrénées mountains provides an exceptional variety of soils. These are rare and almost impossible to use for agriculture (15 cm). They are basically bare rock.

The first two plots are west and south facing and are constantly under the wind. They benefit from the sun’s path from East to West, with absolutely no natural obstacle. On the South, they overlook the Rhune mountain and the start of the Pyrénées chain and on the West they,face the Ocean.

VINEYARD

Erlaitza was made with Chardonnay grapes, grown on densely (6,000 stocks per ha.) slopes in May 2009.  It was cultivated by hand, using minimal techniques that respect the environment.  A Double Guyot pruning system was chosen and aligned  in the axis of the dominant wind, in order to make the most of the natural weather conditions, maintaining a dense grass coverage until flowering, with no trimming, no soil preparation, and manual harvesting.  The choice of such demanding techniques, respecting the natural environment, applied under extreme natural conditions means that each year the harvest is uncertain and the crops are limited.

WINEMAKING PROCESS

Gentle pressing, with gravity flow. 96 hours cold settling.  Gravitary vinification, without  blending and very long ageing on fine lees. Gravity bottling from the tank, with minor interventions in the cellar.

GRAPE VARIETY

Chardonnay: 100%

SPECIFICATIONS

Alcohol level: 13% vol.

INSTRUCTIONS

Erlaitza is a surprising wine. It will reveal itself when decanted after the bottle is open, or more cautiously, when opened in advance. It is a natural and free wine, with a youthful impertinence, but already shows a very strong personality.

TASTING

Its aromatic density will allow you to enjoy Erlaitza with or without any food. Its many aspects mean that it is a wine fit for every occasion: antipasti, exotic dishes, meats in sauces, strawberry soups or chocolate desserts.