2016 Ameztoi 'Unicus' Blanc Brut Nature Getaria

Winemaker Notes:  Ameztoi’s inspiration to use the area’s signature low alcohol and refreshing acidity as an ally to craft exceptional bottle-fermented Metodo Tradicional sparkling wines has resulted in great new possibilities for the region. Unicus is a bottle-fermented sparkling wine made from select parcels of old-vine hondarrabi zuri grapes, located in some of the best positions 200m above the villages of Getaria and Zarautz, ancient Basque fishing villages on Spain’s rugged northern coast. Unicus is hand-disgorged after extensive lees-aging (6 years) in bottle and will improve with further cellaring.

Vinification – Grapes are carefully handpicked ten days early to ensure lower base alcohol. After a direct pressing in an inert bladder press, spontaneous alcoholic fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine ages for a year in old, 600L foudres before bottling, where secondary fermentation takes place with selected autochthonous yeasts and concentrated grape must from their vineyards. Unicus is aged on the lees in bottle for six years before hand-disgorgement. Bottled unfiltered without dosage.