Lasalde Elkartea 'Balea' Txakolina Rosè

The vibe: Pronounce it like “choco-lina”. Now that we can say it, what is it?? Txakolina is a Basque style of wine, usually lower in alcohol (this one’s only 11%), and typically bottled with a touch of effervescence, similar to a Vinho Verde. Being from a cooler climate with cold nights and whipping Atlantic winds, Txakolina tastes like a cold plunge. Bright, tart and refreshing, with a subtle salty, savory element thanks to the proximity of the vines to the ocean. In fact, you get more sweet, salty ocean air on the nose than fruit. This will transport you to a Spanish seaside cliff on a sunny summer day. 

The winemaker: One of the original 10 growers to build the Getariako Txakolina DOP in 1990, Lasalde Elkartea is mere miles from the Bay of Biscaye and is dedicated to producing honest, traditional wines using indigenous Basque varieties. Lurdes Zubizarreta and her son Iker Eizmendi run the estate as well as an ever-growing flock of sheep.

The geeky details: 40% Hondarrabi Beltza (red) and 60% Hondarrabi Zuri (white). Stainless steel fermentation, unaged. Bottled while still young to capture residual CO2 for a slight effervescence upon opening. 

Serve: With a chill.

Food pairing: Oysters on the half shell, cured meats, anchovies, roasted veggies

Album pairing: LA LOM - The Los Angeles League of Musicians