Rosé of Hondarrabi Beltza, Gaintza

bright strawberry • sea spray • crushed herbs

Wild strawberry and pink citrus lead the aromatics, followed by fresh herbs and a lightly saline edge that immediately pulls the wine toward the Atlantic coast. The palate is bright and lifted from the start, driven by sharp acidity and a subtle natural spritz that gives the wine energy while still allowing more texture and structure than many rosés deliver. The finish stays dry, mineral, and lightly savory, with the salinity lingering longer than the fruit.

Rosé Txakoli remains relatively uncommon even within the Basque region itself, making wines like this a rarer expression of the style. Produced primarily from Hondarrabi Beltza, the traditional red grape of the region, the wine carries the same coastal tension and freshness that define classic Txakoli while introducing more fruit, texture, and depth. The cool maritime climate preserves acidity naturally, helping the wine remain vibrant and structured rather than overtly ripe.

Gaintza’s rosé shows just how flexible the Txakoli tradition can be while still remaining deeply tied to the Basque coast. Produced primarily from Hondarrabi Beltza, the region’s traditional red grape, the wine brings a more savory, structured profile to the lineup while preserving the salinity and freshness that define the style. Within the flight, it acts as a natural transition between the sharp coastal energy of the blanco and the added depth and texture found later in Aitako.