Astobiza, Malkoa White, DO Arabako Txakolina, Spain, 2019

Producer Profile

Astobiza is a family owned, single estate winery located in Okondo, in the Ayala Valley of Álava (Basque Country).

With just 7 hectares under vine, within one protected site at 250 metres above sea level, the winery operates under a pago style model focused on maximum terroir expression. Sheltered by the Sierra Salvada mountains and influenced by the nearby Cantabrian Sea, Astobiza benefits from a rare Atlantic microclimate that supports slow, balanced ripening and high natural acidity. Founded in the mid 2000s, Astobiza has quickly established itself as one of Spain’s reference producers for premium, age worthy Txakoli. Now a member of Grandes Pagos de España, the estate works exclusively with native Basque varieties—Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Beltza and Izkiriota (Gros Manseng). Its wines are internationally distributed, positioned firmly within the fine dining and gastronomic segment, and recognised for redefining Txakoli as a serious, long lived wine style.

Viticulture

This wine is crafted from carefully selected, fully ripe grapes grown on a sustainably managed vineyard plot that prioritises environmentally responsible practices. The site is shaped by an Atlantic climate, enhanced by the unique microclimate of the Ayala Valley, combining freshness with consistent ripening conditions. Generous annual rainfall is balanced by ample sunshine throughout the growing season, while regular southern winds and mild temperatures ensure healthy vines and gradual maturation. The result is fruit of remarkable purity, balance and vibrant Atlantic character.

Winemaking

This txakoli was aged for 20 months in an ovoid concrete tank, where its lees (yeasts) are kept in constant natural motion within a space without edges, aided by the daily thermal oscillation between day and night. During this time, the wine self-stabilises, gains volume on the palate, and its components become fully integrated. It is then bottled and undergoes a reductive ageing process, completing its refinement.

Tasting Note

Malkoa shows great complexity, highlighting spicy and balsamic aromas, with dominant citrus notes (grapefruit) and fresh aromatic herbs. With a marked Atlantic character, it offers a very long, fresh, powerful, and structured palate, with the ability to age for many years in bottle.

Food matching

This is a wine for uncooked seafood such as sea urchins, oysters, tuna fish tartare, caviar, etc., or with lightly cooked goose barnacles, scallops, prawns and red shrimp.