Txomin Etxaniz 2010 Chacolí de Guetaria, Spain 13.99
90% Hondarribi Zuri and 10% of the dark-berried Hondarribi Beltza (from free-run juice) from the tiny Chacolí de Guetaria/Getariako
Txakolina DO, which is centred around the small medieval fishing town of Guetaria some 30 minutes west of San Sebastián and now
consists of some 350 hectares. Made by the Chueca family, whose official winemaking archives date back to 1649 and own 40has in 7
primary sites. The vines are trellised and planted on slopes. The grapes were hand-picked in late Sept to early-Oct and following a gentle
pneumatic pressing, fermented in stainless steel at 15°C for 3 weeks. Left on fine lees, and retains some natural carbonic gas. Alc 11.35%,

Green and interesting nose. The merest hint of fizz. Lovely flavour. Just a little residual sugar makes it very attractive. Not cheap and unpronounceable (cho-meen Etcha-niece, by the way), but I like it.

Valdesil Godello 2010 Valdeorras, Spain 15.99
100% Godello from 30 year-old vines grown on the slate slopes of Vilamartín de Valdeorras at an altitude of 500 metres. The 2010
growing season began with heavy rainfall during spring, followed on the 3rd May by frost that caused severe crop damage in different
areas in Valdeorras. The grapes were hand-harvested 6th - 18th Sept and the yield was 30% below average at just 23hl/ha. A short skincontact
maceration was followed by static settling of the juice and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aged on the fine lees for 4
months in stainless steel vats. No malo, and bottled May 2011. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Alc 13.01%, TA 6.0g/l, pH 2.97,
RS 3.9g/l. Waitrose Wine Direct and 45 branches.

Quite a rich green or maybe chartreuse colour. Savoury and green nose. Touch of fizz. Bright and exciting taste. Savoury, gripping and long.

Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño 2010 Rías Baixas, Spain 15.99
100% Albariño from the compact winery housed in the ancient granite cloisters of the grand Renaissance palace in the central square
of Cambados, a property still in the hands of the original family. First produced in 1928. Some 66 farmers provide fruit grown on
sandy/granite/limestone soils,with very old rootstocks, vines trained parral. Grapes were hand-harvested in late-Sept at 40hl/ha and
fully destemmed, pressed, chilled and left to cold settle for 2 days. Fermented in stainless steel with natural yeasts at 16°C for 15 - 20 days.
No malo and very light filtration. Winemaker Cristina Mantilla. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Alc 13.0%, TA 6.2g/l, pH 3.45,
RS 3.0g/l. Waitrose Wine Direct and 6 branches.IWC 2011 Gold Medal Winner.

This is in a tall, green Alsace-shaped bottle. Sweet, ripe nose, almost like pinot gris. Bright and exciting taste. Really vibrant and interesting.

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