Ameztoi Primus Txakolina

From the dramatic, sea-swept hillsides of Getaria in Spain’s Basque Country, Ameztoi’s Primus represents the pinnacle of this historic estate’s craft; a still, old-vine expression of Hondarrabi Zuri that reveals the quiet sophistication behind one of the region’s most traditional grapes. Unlike the briskly effervescent Txakolis that define the area’s everyday style, Primus is entirely still, made from the estate’s oldest vines (some more than a century old) rooted in clay and sandy soils overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, then aged for seven months on fine lees without stirring or filtration. This patient élevage allows the wine to retain its signature saline brightness while gaining depth, texture, and aromatic nuance. In the glass, Primus offers a refined interplay of citrus zest, white peach, and green apple alongside crushed seashell, wild herbs, and the faint scent of ocean air. The palate is taut yet layered with its brisk acidity balanced by a subtle creaminess from the lees, finishing with a lingering, mouthwatering minerality that speaks unmistakably of its coastal origin. It is both pure and contemplative, a wine that invites slow appreciation rather than quick refreshment. Ameztoi Primus stands as proof that Txakolina can transcend its casual seaside reputation, delivering elegance and complexity on par with some of Europe’s great maritime whites. Pair it with simply grilled seafood, shellfish, citrus-driven dishe, sor pour a glass on its own to experience the elevated brilliance of the Basque coast.