2023 Juanjo Tellaetxe "Tantaka" Arabako Txakolina Blanco

Many wine drinkers likely think of Txakolina as fizzy and fun, but there is also a serious side to the region. The Juanjo Tellaetxe "Tantaka" Arabako Txakolina is a great example of a still wine from the appellation, made in a highly food friendly style. Juanjo Tellaetxe Tantaka, formerly both a priest and a shepherd, grew up in a remote river valley in the Basque province of Araba, where steep mountains protect the area from the harsh Atlantic winds, and the climate is humid and cool. Arabako is one of three DOs designated for Txakolina in Spain’s Basque country, and the soil here is mostly alluvial sand over clay limestone. This wine is 100% Hondarribi Zuri, fermented and aged on the lees in stainless steel.