Eklipse 2020 by Bodegas Itsasmendi is a bold, elegant red from Bizkaiko Txakolina in Spain’s Basque Country, a region normally celebrated for its bright whites. A thoughtful blend of Hondarrabi Beltza, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, the grapes grow with a steady Atlantic influence that gives the wine a distinct mineral spine and lively acidity. Fermented in stainless steel and matured for ten months in large French oak vats, Eklipse 2020 balances red cherry and wild strawberry with floral hints of violet and faint cocoa and spice notes. The palate is silky but structured, with soft tannins and a long, fresh finish that leaves a subtle bitter chocolate echo.
Full disclosure I love this wine so much I have to stop myself from stealing it from my own shop. It is the sort of bottle that makes you smile at the shelf, the sort you want for every guest and for a quiet night at home.
Serve Eklipse 2020 with grilled tuna, roasted vegetables, earthy mushroom dishes or gently spiced meats. It is a refreshing and distinctive red that showcases modern Basque viticulture, elegant without being showy and quietly unforgettable.
