Barrika Txerri Basque Cider (750ml)

Txerri is the playful yet serious creation of Ion Astiazaran, who took the reins from his father Juan Inaxio in 2019 at Sagardotegia Iruin in Zubieta, Guipuzkoa. While Ion remains devoted to the tradition of sagardoa, he has already distinguished himself with innovative projects such as this remarkable cherry cider. The name “Txerri,” meaning pig in Basque, hints at the irreverence of its presentation, yet the craft inside the bottle is impeccable. The base is a classic Basque blend of 70% sharp and 30% bittersweet apples, farmed with organic practices and fermented spontaneously. The apples are hand-harvested, crushed, rested overnight, and pressed into neutral chestnut barrels for wild fermentation and maturation over four months. The twist comes with local cherries, frozen to release their natural pectin, then steeped in the cider at 100g/L for 90 days before bottling without sulfur. The result is an expressive cider at 6% ABV that marries candied strawberry and tart citrus aromatics with the tension of firm apple tannins and brisk lemony acidity. A faint residual sweetness softens the acetic edge typical of Basque cider while preserving its rustic authenticity. Refreshing, bright, and a touch whimsical, it is ideal with Idiazabal cheese, grilled fish, lobster, or simply as a session-worthy companion that captures both tradition and playful innovation .