DO Getariako Txakolina, located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay in and around the small fishing towns of Getaria and Zarautz, is perhaps the most notable Basque DO. Renowned for its iconic, spritzy, fresh and young white wine Txakoli, it is particularly loved in the nearby gastronomic mecca of San Sebastian. Here, as is customary in the region it is served with local Basque Pintxos (tapas) with fish, fried morsels and anchovies featuring regularly. It is the Basque answer to Vinho Verde, bottled early while still completing the final stages of fermentation, giving it a natural effervescence. Traditionally, this effervescence would be hightened when the wine is poured from a height - releasing the large bubbles - but if poured like a regular wine, it maintains a subtle spritz, making it an ideal aperitivo. Getariako Txakolina is a small Spanish region with only 17 wineries registered with the DO. The vineyards, which run right up to the sea front are protected from the cold northerly winds by the hills. With one of the highest rainfalls of all the Spanish DO's hail is a serious risk for the grapes. Zudugarai was founded 1989, the same year DO Getaria Txakolina was established. The Errasti family, for half a century, have been growing grapes and making wine from their vineyards, working with native Basque varieties Hondarrabi Zuri (White) & Hondarrabi Beltza (Red). The vineyards are located 5km from the Bay of Biscay, nestled among rolling hills at 90 meters above sea level. The sunniest and windiest slopes are planted with vines, allowing the grapes to ripen while remaining dry, helping avoid fungal and rot issues. All vineyard work is done by hand. Antxiola Blanco and Rosado are excellent examples of the area’s wines, perfect for pairing with local cuisine and increasingly enjoyed internationally. The wines reflect the unique coastal climate of Gipuzkoa, with their minerality and freshness. Quintessentially: juicy at the start, with a citrus middle and a distinctive salty finish. || Tasting note: Bright; ripe and full of delicate white and green fruit; pear puree and grass. Grape and green apple lead; juicy and mouth-watering with lively limey acidity and nice weight in the mid-palate The finish is as per, beautiful salinity. Notable spritz on the pallet; with more green fruit; underripe melon and key lime pie. Fresh; mineral finish. || Winemaking Detail: Newly awarded best rated txakoli by Decanter. 10-40 year old vines at a max of 90m above sea level farmed with no irrigation. Hand harvested. 4 hours maceration on skins. Fermentation with wild yeasts in SST for 15 days. Undergoes malolactic fermentation. Cold stabilised and filtered. Less than 10 mg/l of sulphur added. || Features Grape Grapefruit White Flowers Saline Spritzy
