
Hondarrabi Zuri is a white grape variety grown only in Spain, and more specifically, the Basque region. The Atlantic Ocean has a tempering effect on the area which causes the citrus notes in the Hondarrabi Zuri grape to be lively and slightly herbal. Wines produced with Hondarrabi Zuri are meant to be consumed young and fresh, and are very easy to drink. In order to maintain the fresh quality, Hondarrabi Zuri wines have been known to be bottled with a touch of carbon dioxide. Hondarrabi Zuri is the most planted variety in the Basque region and is responsible for the base juice in the area’s Txakoli wines. The Txakoli de Getaria is the principal sub-region of Basque’s white wine production. Hondarrabi Zuri is also found in blends with the lesser varieties of the Basque region, including folle blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Hondarrabi Zuri also has a corresponding red grape variety known as Hondarrabi Beltza. Hondarrabi Zuri grape bunches are tiny and dense with golden colored berries that are petite and round. The wine Hondarrabi produces is pale yellow in color with notes of ripe fruit, citrus, flowers, and herbs on the nose.
Alleme Getariako Txakolina is 100% Hondarribi Zuri
A very fruity, persistent and clean Txakoli. It reminds the white exotic fruits, such as lichy. It has a straw yellow color, without the slightest tone of rust and a faint natural gas pearl crown, due to the grape juice fermentation. In the mouth, it is greasy and unctuous, with a good balance of structure and acidity. In order to get such a Txakoli, we have combined the most traditional and the most innovative production methods to create it. Thanks to the batonnage (stirring of the lees), we have attained the characteristic unctuosity of this Txakoli.
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).
Alleme Getariako Txakolina Rosado is made from 50% Hondarrabi Zuri and 50% Hondarrabi Beltza
Limpid pink. Bright and energetic on the nose and palate, displaying vibrant, mineral-tinged cranberry, blood orange and white pepper qualities and a touch of pungent flowers. Racy and sharply focused, carrying no excess fat. Finishes tight and dry, displaying repeating citrus character and good persistence.
Yalumba The Steeple Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz.
The nose is immersed in blueberries and plums leading into very inviting red spices, cranberries and pomegranate. Medium to full-bodied, it is generous with plump fruits and dark cherries. Textural, intriguing and velvety smooth.
Review:
This reminds us of the classic Australian reds of the 1950s and 1960s. Very deep and rich, yet so vibrant and youthful, this has fresh-herb and savory complexity alongside the black-fruit aromas. Great muscular tannins on the powerful palate give it wonderful vitality and clarity. Just a touch of eucalyptus. Very long finish with a wonderfully velvety texture. From vines planted in 1919. Excellent aging potential.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Copper Cane Wine & Spirits proudly introduces two new additions to its Belle Glos collection: Sparkling Blanc de Blanc and Sparkling Rosé. Crafted by fifth-generation winemaker Joe Wagner, these sparkling wines represent a bold expansion into the world of traditional method sparkling wines. The release marks a pivotal moment for Belle Glos, a brand known for its meticulous craftsmanship, as it explores the refined, celebratory nature of sparkling varietals.
Zero Dosage Sparkling Wines Reflect Terroir, Tradition, and Russian River Valley Purity
Rooted in the Russian River Valley’s unique microclimate, these wines are made in a zero-dosage style—meaning no added sugar after fermentation. This style highlights the vineyard’s terroir and natural acidity without relying on sweetness to balance the profile. Through traditional methods, including aging in French oak barrels, malolactic fermentation, and multi-vintage blending, Wagner crafts wines that exhibit purity, depth, and complexity, while maintaining a youthful brightness and firm minerality.
Review:
This clean and focused zero dosage Blanc de Blancs brings aromas of bright lemon, green apple, citrus blossom and grapefruit pith on the nose. The palate is dry, acidic and lively, with flavors of pithy lime, toasted hazelnut, green apple and lemon balm mingling across the finish. It's oyster time, people!
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points