Gaintza Txakolina Blanco, Getariako Txakolina, Pais Vasco, Spain 2024
Bodega Gaintza sits at the western edge of San Sebastián in the Getaria subzone of the Basque Country, its stone caserío farmhouse and cellar overlooking the bluffs above the Cantabrian coast. The estate was founded in 1923 by Andrés Lazkano, who made small quantities of Txakoli for neighbors directly from his farmhouse. Four generations later, the Lazkano family remains one of the most respected names in Getariako Txakolina — pioneers of fine wine in a region long associated with simple, inexpensive fizz. The winery is today run by brothers Joseba and Urtzi Lazkano. Joseba and their mother handle winemaking and hospitality; Urtzi manages the vineyards. In keeping with local custom, family members are often referred to simply as "Gaintza," after the farm itself.
- WINEMAKER: Joseba Lazkano
- FARMING: Sustainable. Grapes for this wine are planted across seven plots, which are protected from Cantabrian sea air by the Garate hill. Vines range from 25 to 50 years old, with around 40% trained high on pergolas to promote aeration in the damp coastal climate
- VARIETY: 85% Hondarrabi Zuri, 5% Hondarrabi Beltza, 10% Gros Manseng (Izkiriota). All grapes are harvested entirely by hand and gently pressed
- TERROIR: Vineyards are planted between 150 and 500 meters from the ocean, at 75 meters elevation on the bluffs overlooking the water. Getariako Txakolina abuts Spain's northern coastline, creating a cool and very rainy climate — an average of 63 inches of rainfall annually. The cold influence of the Atlantic Ocean is offset by coastal hills, resulting in a slightly milder climate than the region's neighboring Txakoli DOs, with fractionally less pronounced green notes. Gaintza is one of the founding producers of DO Getariako Txakolina, established in 1989
- VINIFICATION: Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, with 24-hour maceration. Slow, 45-day fermentation with no malolactic conversion.
- AGING: Aged for 8 months on the lees in stainless steel. Wines are bottled at 0°C to preserve the natural spritz
- TASTING NOTES: Pale yellow with fine persistent bubbles. Lemon, quince, green apple, and sorrel on the nose, overlaid with Atlantic sea spray. Bright, light, and crisp on the palate, with refreshing acidity and a saline finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Fresh salads, light soft cheeses, shellfish, shrimp, and fried seafood.