2025 · Balea Txakoli

Lasalde Elkartea is a small family-run producer in Getaria, Basque Country, led by Lurdes Zubizarreta and her son Iker Eizmendi. Working with indigenous Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza, the estate produces two Balea Txakoli wines: white and rosé. Its low-input, biodiversity-friendly viticulture incorporates sheep grazing and reflects the area’s maritime heritage. The wines ferment with native yeasts for five months in stainless steel, followed by lees ageing without racking. Natural carbon dioxide is retained to give the Txakoli its characteristic spritz.