Grower Website Bodega K5 Region: Spain - País Vasco

Bodega K5 is a modern vineyard estate located on a hillside near the Basque village of Aia at 1000 feet above sea level, very close to the natural park of Pagoeta, in a privileged spot called “Eztenagako Txorrua” mountainside. It overlooks the Cantabrian seaports of Zarautz and Orio.

Founded in 2005 by Spanish celebrity chef Karlos Argiñano and four partners, K5 is focused on showcasing the noble and age worthy quality of the indigenous Hondarribi Zuri and its ability to produce extracted, super-dry, mineral driven whites worthy of the finest table. The ultra-modern, gravity-flow bodega (designed by the famous architectural firm Alonso & Balaguer) is ideally matched to its environment and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and seacoast. The first vintage was released in 2010.

The property totals 30 ha (74 acres) in total with 15 ha (37 acres) of dry farmed vineyards planted on slate and granite soils to the native grape,  Hondarribi Zuri. Yields are limited to under 2 kilos per vine.  Intensive vineayard management improves air circulation in the humid climate. The wine is aged for six months on the fine lees for complexity, and less than 50mg/l of sulfur are used.

The remaining 15 ha (37 acres) are comprised of forests and little paths surrounding the cellar, full of beech, chestnut and oak trees.

Our vineyards, 100% Hondarribi Zuri, grow in exclusive soils of gray shale, granite and laminated slate, and individual climate conditions. Influenced by the Cantabrian Sea of the Atlantic, large thermal shifts and winds provide superior conditions for slow ripening and optimum acidity. In order to get the maximum concentration of aroma/bouquet and flavor, the grape production for every vine is very low.

The vineyard is divided into 10 different plots depending on the soils, orientation and each one’s characteristics. Every year an analysis of each plot is conducted. Plots are vinified separately to preserve their distinct characteristics before unifying the wines in the final blends. Less than 50 mg/l of sulfur are used in vinification.

We perform intensive vineyard management to improve air circulation in our humid climate. Natural vegetation cover reduces erosion and promotes beneficial organisms. We use under-vine weeding and sheep to control weeds and keep the grasses low.

All of this provides our K5, K Pilota and Kaiaren with a unique personality that make them stand out against other wines.