Description
A rare treat this is made in very small quantities due to the scarcity of the red Hondarrabi Beltz grape, a relative of Cabernet Franc. Fresh red cherry and cranberry are the perfect match for spring nights. Grown on calcareous clay soil, the vineyards are situated at 300 meters from the Cantabrian sea.
Gaintza are based in the Getaria region in Basque country. This is a blend of the local varieties 60% Hondarrabi Beltz: 40% Hondarrabi Zuri: grown sustainably over limestone and clay soils, at 300m above sea level.
Txakoli comes from the Basque country on the cool, green Atlantic coast of Spain. Typically it’s a slightly spritzy dry white, with a saline tang, cousin of other Atlantic wines Muscadet and Vinho Verde, it’s a natural partner to the abundant local seafood. Four generations of the Lazkano family have produced and sold Txakoli. José Antonio, grandfather of the current owners, used to make wine at home for family consumption and to sell locally, until they set up the Gaintza cellar in 1923. The family have a deep respect for their land and the local traditions but they’re also looking ahead, adopting modern technology where the wines benefit. 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, along with some Hondarribi Beltz and Chardonnay.
