Isastegi, Sagardo Cider, NV

Isastegi Sagardo Naturala is a traditional Basque cider from the verdant mountains of Spain's Basque Country, representing a winemaking tradition that has existed for over 400 years. Produced at the Isastegi farm since the 17th century, cider has been an integral part of Basque culture—an everyday drink that exemplifies the region's commitment to terroir and natural winemaking. The cider is made exclusively from organically-grown, native Basque apples farmed within a 15-kilometer radius of the Isastegi cider house in Tolosa, in the countryside outside San Sebastián. Each lot is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks with native yeasts. After fermentation, each component is tasted for quality before the lots are blended together in kupelas (old, large oak cider barrels) for several months. As a founding member of the Gorenak Society and Euskal Sagardoa (a new PDO for Basque natural cider created in 2017), Isastegi represents the quality standards and authentication of authentic Basque natural cider. Traditionally served cold, poured from arm's length into a wide-mouth tumbler—a ritual that creates its signature creamy, effervescent mousse.