José Ramón Calvo

José Ramón Calvo serves as the technical director and head winemaker at Bodega Gorka Izagirre, located in Spain's Basque Country. With a profound dedication to the region's indigenous grape varieties, Calvo focuses on cultivating Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Zerratia across 40 hectares of vineyards. His innovative approach includes aging Txakoli on lees and crafting barrel-fermented wines, challenging traditional perceptions and showcasing the aging potential of these native varietals. ​

Basque Country, Spain

The Basque Country, located in northern Spain, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique language. The region's wine production is characterized by its distinctive Txakoli wines, primarily made from the indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grape. These wines are known for their light, fresh, and slightly effervescent qualities, often exhibiting bright acidity and subtle fruit flavors. The vineyards benefit from the maritime climate, with the Bay of Biscay providing a moderating influence that contributes to the wines' unique character. The region's commitment to preserving traditional grape varieties and sustainable viticulture practices has led to a resurgence in the popularity of Basque wines on the international stage. ​