Rock that Txak!

Txakoli (pronounced chock-oh-lee) is a wine style from the Basque Country in northern Spain. The three D.O.s in this mountainous, rugged region include Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina, and Arabako Txakolina. This is a challenging region to grow grapes, which result in fresh, tart, wines that never exceed 11.5% ABV. Some Txakoli tend to have a little spritz that helps balance the dryness and acidity in the wine.

Txakoli can be made with two grapes, Hondarrabi Zuri, a white grape; and Hondarrabi Beltza, a red grape. Most Txakoli is white, with an almost green tint and a tart, lemony flavor; red Txakoli have stone and dark cherry notes; rosé Txakoli is all rose petals and citrus zest. Some Txakoli producers employ traditional styles, while others experiment with lees, mature their wine in oak or concrete and use parcel selection in the vineyards.

We can’t get enough of Rezabal Txakoli from Getariako. Getariako is where the majority of Txakoli is made, and is located west of the famed, culinary city of San Sebastián overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The Rezabal family, led by Anders and Mireya Rezabal, hand harvest their organic vines from 22 hectares planted in a traditional high trellis system. Their vines benefit from the constant sea breeze from the Atlantic and impart lasting freshness, salinity, and acidity in their Txakoli. Pair Rezabal white or rosé Txakoli with a plate of local seafood on a sunny picnic, take a deep breath, and transport to San Sebastián with a cold glass of Txakoli!