Gaintza, Txakolina Getaria, Pais Vasco, Spain

Txakoli comes from the Basque country on the cool Atlantic coast of Spain. It’s a spritzy dry white, with a citrus tang; a cousin of those other great Atlantic wines, Muscadet and Vinho Verde – as natural a partner to fried fish as a squeeze of lemon and an essential accompaniment to a pintxo in a San Sebastian bar.

The Lazkano family have produced Txakoli for generations, initially just for their own consumption and to sell locally but in 1923 José Antonio, grandfather of the current owners created the Gaintza cellar. They own 25 hectares of vineyards, bathed by the fresh Cantabrian sea air, but protected by the Garate hill. They have a mix of older planting on high pergolas and newer terraced plantings. They mainly grow Hondarribi Zuri, the most common and traditional grape in Txakoli production, supplemented by rare red varietal Hondarribi Beltz and some Chardonnay.

Grapes are hand harvested before a controlled temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks ensuring the natural spritz is retained and the zingy, acidic, citrus and herby notes aren't lost.

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