Ulibarri Artzaia 2022 Txacoli de Bizcaia

The Ulibarri family has a long history in the Basque country, primarily as shepherds and cheesemakers (Artzaiak is the Basque word for shepherd). They also have vineyards planted to the traditional grape of the region - Hondarrabi Zuri - and have existed as a bodega since the 18th century. Farming is certified organic (extremely rare for the area – they might be the only ones!) and the sheep play a major role in the vineyards, handling weed control and providing natural fertilizer. In an area where winemakers harvest early and often inject the wines with CO2 to make them a bit fizzy (a characteristic associated with the wines – think Vinho Verde), the Ulibarri brothers harvest at full ripeness, allow indigenous yeast fermentation, and let the wines age on the lees. There is no filtration or stabilization - this is REAL Txakoli!