Txakoli (or “Txakolina” in Basque) is a wine from the Basque Country. Known for its freshness, tangy character and unique flavor profile, this wine has also made a name for itself internationally in recent years.t.
Whether as an accompaniment to pintxos or as a refreshing treat on a warm summer’s day: Txakoli is a wine that you have to try once to taste the soul of the Basque Country.
But what makes Txakoli so special? Everyone can find out for themselves. Many wineries offer tours and tastings. We visited a winery in Getaria and learned a lot about Basque wine.
Origin and history
Txakoli comes from the Basque Country. Viticulture in this region has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In the past, Txakoli was mainly produced in small quantities for local consumption and was a rustic farmhouse wine. However, since the 1980s, the quality of Txakoli has greatly improved thanks to modern viticultural methods and the commitment of local winegrowers.
Today there are three protected designations of origin for Txakoli:
D.O. Getariako Txakolina This region is located on the Basque coast, near the town of Getaria. The climate is strongly influenced by the Atlantic, with cool temperatures and high humidity.
D.O. Bizkaiko Txakolina This region lies further west, around Bilbao, and has a somewhat milder climate with less direct Atlantic influence.
D.O. Arabako Txakolina This region is located inland, in the province of Álava, and has a more continental climate with warmer summers and cooler winters. The wines from Álava are often stronger and more structured, with a slightly lower acidity. They show riper fruit flavors such as pear or apricot and sometimes floral notes.
Each of these regions produces slight variations in style, but all are durch die frische, lebendige und leicht säuerliche Natur des Txakoli verbunden.
Influence of the climate on the taste of Txakoli
The moderate temperatures in the Basque Country ensure that the grapes ripen slowly. This allows a balanced development of sugar and acidity in the berries, which is crucial for the fresh and lively character of Txakoli. Excessively high temperatures, on the other hand, could lead to over-ripening of the grapes, which would make the wine heavier and less lively.
The regular rainfall and high humidity in the region promote the freshness and minerality of the wine. However, winegrowers must ensure that the humidity does not lead to fungal diseases such as mildew, which could affect the quality of the grapes. The proximity to the Atlantic brings cooling winds and a salty breeze. This often gives the Txakoli a noticeable salty note.
Many Txakoli vineyards are located in hilly or higher regions. The cooler temperatures at these altitudes help the grapes to retain their acidity, which is crucial for the typical taste of the wine. The higher the altitude, the cooler the microclimate, which influences the development of the ingredients that characterize the taste.
The typical Txakoli
The typical Txakoli is a light, dry white wine with a moderate alcohol content of around 10 to 12%. However, there are also rosé and red versions. It is mainly made from indigenous grape varieties such as Hondarrabi Zuri (for white wine) and Hondarrabi Beltza (for rosé and red wine).
Taste and aroma:
Fruitiness: Aromas of green apple, citrus fruits and sometimes tropical notes such as pineapple.
Freshness: The wine’s tangy vibrancy is due to its distinctive acidity.
Minerality: The proximity of the Atlantic and the special soils often lead to a salty or mineral note.
Lightly carbonated: Txakoli is often bottled slightly sparkling, which emphasizes its refreshing character.
Txakoli is a wine that goes perfectly with regional cuisine. In the Basque Country, it is often served with pintxos (Basque tapas), which range from seafood to meat. It harmonizes particularly well with:
Fish and seafood: Oysters, sardines, octopus or cod.
Light starters: Goat’s cheese, olives or white asparagus.
Fried dishes
Visit to a Txakoli winery – Txakoli Ameztoi Bodega
We slowly approach the winery via a road. I can hardly take my eyes off this beautiful landscape. The vines stand on sanft geschwungenen Hügeln, die sich an die steile Küste des Baskenlandes anschließen. In der Provinz Gipuzkoa gibt es etwa 433 Hektar Weinberge und hier fahren wir durch eins der schönsten Weinanbaugebiete. Was für ein Blick über die Weinberge auf das Meer.
The winery is located in the middle of the vineyards at the end of a road. If you wish, you can also spend the night here and are sure to experience wonderful sunrises and sunsets.
We first went straight to the vines. It was still early in the year and not a single bunch of grapes could be seen. Only very small flower-like parts of the plant already showed the typical shape of a bunch of grapes. The white Ondarrabi Zuri grape variety is the most important one used to make Txakoli from Getaria and of course it also grows here. Depending on the weather, the grapes are harvested at the end of September or beginning of October. Then it is perfectly ripe and the sugar-acid ratio is just right.
After learning about the typical grape variety of the region, we went on to the wine cellar and the Txakoli production facility. There was a crash course on wine production, but we were much more interested in the question “What does Txakoli actually taste like?”
The tasting
The tasting was then held in the bodega. We were presented with three different wines.
TXAKOLI AMEZTOI
TXAKOLI AMEZTOI is an exceptional white wine made from the regional Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety.
TXAKOLI AMEZTOI acquires a light, perfectly balanced perlage during the natural fermentation process. With an alcohol content of 10.5 to 11%, it is an ideal companion for enjoyable, light moments.
Characteristics of the wine:
Appearance: The wine has a pale white color with greenish reflections. Its light color is complemented by fine and elegant bubbles.
Aroma: Its fragrance is fine and refined, characterized by aromas of green apples and grapes, accompanied by a minty note.
Taste: TXAKOLI starts dry on the palate and develops harmoniously. It impresses with an aromatic finish that conveys a lightness through its gentle carbonation.
This wine is an excellent accompaniment to all types of seafood and fish dishes.
Amestoi Primus Circumdedisti Me
This fine white wine is made from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety.
Amestoi Primus Circumdedisti Me is produced using a special process in which the grapes are first fermented on the skins (with skin contact). The wine then matures on the lees and is regularly refined by bâtonnage (stirring the lees). This process gives the wine its complexity, density and unmistakable fullness. With an alcohol content of 10.5 to 11%, it is a harmonious yet intense pleasure.
Characteristics of the wine
Appearance: The wine is bright and elegant, with delicate yellow-green reflections.
Aroma: The nose reveals an intense aroma of ripe fruit, especially tropical fruit such as pineapple.
Taste: The wine has an impressive structure on the palate. The finish recalls the aromatic notes of ripe fruit and ensures a lingering taste experience.
This txakoli is an excellent accompaniment to all types of fish and seafood.
Kirkilla
The Kirkilla White Special Txakoli is a tribute to the traditional production of Txakoli, as it was once made by the region’s ancestors. This exceptional white wine brings us closer to the past and combines the original craftsmanship with modern perfection.
Only the regional Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety, which is typical of the Basque wine region, is used for Kirkilla. The wine is produced using traditional methods and fermented in 600-liter French oak barrels. This process gives it additional complexity and a subtle hint of wood without losing its freshness and characteristic lightness.
Kirkilla is characterized by its expressive and elegant character. It has a fine freshness and a clear mineral note, which is typical of the soils and climate of the Basque region.
Characteristics of the wine:
Appearance: Bright, clear white with delicate reflections, reminiscent of the purity and elegance of the wine.
Aroma: On the nose, it is expressive and complex, with notes of white flowers, citrus fruits and a hint of mineral nuances.
Taste: The Kirkilla is fresh and harmonious on the palate with a fine balance between acidity and structure. The subtle hint of wood from the French oak barrels gives it additional complexity and a long, elegant finish.
I definitely liked the TXAKOLI AMEZTOI the best. It was lighter and more sparkling than the other two wines. For me, who likes white wines more than heavy reds, it was the ideal wine. I would have liked to have a bottle of it in the fridge.
Here you can taste Txakoli wine
D.O. Getariako Txakolina
Txomin Etxaniz One of the oldest and most renowned txakoli producers in Getaria. Offer: guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, tastings with sea views
Bodega K5 Argiñano Modern winery with spectacular architecture in Aia. Offer: Guided tours, wine tastings, gastronomic experiences
Bodega Talai Berri Family-run winery in Zarautz with views of the Atlantic Ocean Offer: Vineyard walks, cellar tours, tastings
Txakoli Ameztoi Bodega We were here and experienced the guided tour and tasting. Address: Lugar Barrio Eitzaga, 10, 20808 Eitzaga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
D.O. Bizkaiko Txakolina
Bodega Itsasmendi in Gernika-Lumo Innovative winemaking, experiments with barrel ageing Offer: Detailed guided tours, tastings of different Txakoli styles
Bodega Doniene Gorrondona Traditional winery in Bakio with modern vinification. Offer: cellar tours, wine tastings, sometimes combined with local gastronomy
Bodega Magalarte Zamudio Family winery with a long tradition Offer: personal guided tours by the winemaker, tastings in a historic setting
D.O. Arabako Txakolina
Bodega Astobiza Modern winery in Okondo with a focus on sustainability Offer: Ecologically oriented vineyard tours, cellar tours, tastings
Bodega Artomaña Txakolina Small, family-run winery in Amurrio Offer: Guided tours, tastings with direct contact to the winemaker
Bodega Señorío de P. Peciña in Laguardia Combines Txakoli production with traditional Rioja viticulture Offer: comparative tastings, insights into different wine-growing styles
Leave a Reply