Domaine Goienetxea XINGOLEI 2021

DOMAINE GOIENETXEA XINGOLEI 2021

Bixente Indart is a young Basque winemaker who has lived in the vineyards from a very young age within the family. Domaine Goienetxea is above all a highly sought-after estate, located in Baigorri, a beautiful town in the French Basque Country, and which for more than 30 years has been part of prestigious cuvées such as Ophites de Domaine Arretxea. The vineyard was planted in 1987 by his father Pantxo Indart, a key figure in the viticulture of the Irouléguy appellation, playing a fundamental role in the development and promotion of the region's wines.

Bixente studied oenology and viticulture at the Bordeaux School of Oenology and trained in large “domaines” such as Arretxea, with Christine Dupuy at the Labranche Laffont estate in Madiran, with Antoine Arena in Corsica, with Charles Hours in Jurançon, or even in Australia in Margaret River. In 2020, Bixente decided to recover his father's steep vineyards, which he had worked for more than 20 years, in a certified organic way.

The grape varieties he works with are the indigenous Tannat and Cabernet Franc for the reds, and Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng for the whites. The red grape varieties (4 ha) are planted on terraces on a red sandstone terroir. The white grape varieties (1.35 ha) are planted in the direction of the slope on an ophite terroir.

Bixente's philosophy seeks to convey the emotion of this "terroir" in which he was born and of which he is proud. The work both in the vineyard and in the winery is organic, meticulous and respectful, without the use of agrochemicals and very little sulphur in the bottle. In the winery, vinification is carried out without inputs, under the action of native yeasts. Aging is carried out in different containers (foudre, barrel, stainless steel, concrete tank and amphora) in a permanent search for balance and finesse. The doses of added sulphites do not exceed 20 mg/litre.

The first vintage with his signature is this 2021, a declaration of intentions, of what this young man can do, wines of immense finesse and great depth.

Vineyard: 4 hectare plot on steep terraces (60% slope) composed of Cabernet Franc (50%) and Tannat (50%). The soils are red sandstone with a south-southwest orientation.

The 2021 vintage was an atypical year, with some spring frosts at the end of April that affected some white varieties. The summer was moderately hot, so the vines did not suffer from water shortages or water stress. The harvest took place later than usual, from late September to mid-October. During this period, the nights were cool and the days sunny with higher temperatures than in summer. The harvest was very healthy and this year there are many notes of fresh fruit, a slightly lower alcohol content but still very elegant tannins.

Vinification: vinification with indigenous yeasts in a concrete tank. 15 months of aging in different containers, foudres, oak barrels and amphorae.

Tasting: It has a bright cherry color with a high layer with a garnet rim. Good fruit intensity on the palate with notes of forest fruits, blackberries, raspberries, currants, pencil lead, coffee, toast and a vegetal touch (currant leaf). On the palate it is frank, with a lot of fruit, silky texture, young, marked tannins, it is fresh and balanced with a slightly astringent aftertaste of medium length.

Production: approx. 5,000 bottles.

Optimal consumption: 2024-2034. 13% Alc.

Pairing: due to its tannic structure and high acidity, it requires foods with a good dose of fat, protein and texture, dishes with meat, spices and intense flavors, typical of stews, grilled red meats, game meats, stewed or braised dishes (cassoulet, boueuf bourgignon), dishes with mushrooms, roast or braised lamb, strong cheeses. Avoid pairing this wine with light or delicate dishes, as it can dominate the more subtle flavors.