Txakoli, a typical wine from the south of the Basque Country

France is a country renowned for its gastronomy and fine, balanced wines and yet there are still some well-hidden secrets. Not for long since we reveal the existence of the Txakoli wine adored by the Spanish and the Basques, produced in the south of the Basque Country. Fruity, crunchy, tangy and sparkling, it is perfect to enjoy all year round.

Txakoli, a wine with controlled appellations in the south of the Basque Country

Developed in the ^20th century by passionate winegrowers, Txakoli remains discreet and does not cross borders, imagined at the time to be consumed by locals. The etymology of its name is unequivocal since etxeko gain means “just for the house”. All is said. Rest assured, things have changed a lot since in 1994, Txakoli benefited from a controlled appellation under the name of Bizkaiko Txakolina, which gave it an evolving reputation. The vineyards, cultivated mainly on the slopes of Zarault and Getaria, benefit from a sunny and temperate climate, ideal for the growth of grapes which are harvested green to preserve their acidity. Today, there are 3 appellations for Txakoli between :

• The Txakoli de Alava produced around Amurrio,
• Txakoli de Bizkaia produced in Biscay with around fifty vineyards,
• Getaria Txakoli is produced around Getaria.

Txakoli is rarely found in red or rosé, most often made in white with a single variety of grape for each vintage. With friends or family, it can be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or as a starter.

Alava vines

Txakoli, a perfect wine for local gastronomy in the south of the Basque Country

Txakoli is a special wine since it is young, crunchy and slightly tangy. Sparkling for some, sparkling for others, its fruitiness is appreciated as an aperitif, as a starter and even as a dessert depending on the flavors to combine. However, most often, it is drunk at aperitif time, pairing perfectly with charcuterie and cheese platters , tapas or pintxos . The Txakoli grape is grown by the sea, so it is no surprise that it is the perfect wine to enjoy seafood or fish , whether you are in Bilbao or Getaria. Don't hesitate to go to the southern Basque Country to enjoy the local specialties, Txakoli can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Txakoli, a traditional manufacturing method in the south of the Basque Country

Txakoli is an AOC wine, or Appellation Origine Contrôlée, whose regions are limited to Alava, Biscay and Getaria. For winemaking, 3 grape varieties are authorized between :

• The Hondarribi Zuri,
• The Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia
• The Hondarribi Beltza.

The grapes, harvested green to maintain a certain freshness, then undergo all the stages essential to the production of wine :

• Crushing and pressing to separate the must,
• Decantation,
• Fermentation in barrels for 12 to 15 months,
• The devatting,
• Storage and bottling.

Once the work is finished, all you have to do is open the bottle and enjoy it chilled.

Whether or not you are a lover of good wine, we hope we have made you want to cross the border to discover Txakoli, a wine from the south of the Basque Country .

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