2018 Talai Berri Txakolina

Region: Txakoli de Getaria    

Grapes: 90% Hondarribi Zuri, 10% Hondarribi Beltza

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organically farmed, fermented with native yeast in stainless steel; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 11% ABV

Winemaker: Bixente Eizaguirre

This sparkler comes from the coast. Think the coastline between the Pyrenees and Gaztelugatxe mountain ranges (a.k.a. Dragonstone for you GOT fans).  Bixente Eizaguirre, a fifth-generation winemaker and founder of Talai Berri Winery, worked hard to establish the Txakoli de Getaria Guarantee of Origin for the region, and has always been challenging tradition (planting vineyards facing the sea), soak up more sun and protection from excess exposure to weather coming off the ocean in this cold, wet region.  The estate is also unique in its commitment to organic farming (one of only a few certified organic) and hands-off winemaking, both rare practices in the Basque Country, a region dominated by industrial production and heavy rainfall/wet conditions that make chemical-free farming more challenging. 

Most Txakolinas are super fizzy, thanks to added Co2, but this guy has nothing added so you get just a light, naturally occurring spritz.  Crisp and refreshing, with a lemon-lime tang and a clean burst of acid, this tastes like bone-dry 7-up. It goes down fast and easy, like water, only much more delicious.