Time for Txakoli
The ocean and Txakoli are intrinsically linked. A mere stone’s throw away from the Bay of Biscay, Txakoli vineyards receive salty Atlantic oceanic breezes that impart an extra freshness to the grapes.
Txakoli (pronounced: chah-ko-lee), also called Txakolina, is a style of dry, slightly spritzy, low alcohol wine from the Basque region of Spain, which is poured theatrically into flat-bottomed glasses from high above, amplifying the natural effervescence of the wine and the celebratory energy of the moment. This style of wine, somewhere between a still wine and a pét-nat, has been steadily growing in popularity for wine enthusiasts across the world since the early 2000s.
The Rezabal family, led by Anders and Mireya Rezabal have been making wine since 1996. They hand harvest grapes from their 22 hectares of organic vines, which are planted in a traditional high trellis system. They plant two native varieties that define Rezabal Txakoli: Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza. Their vines benefit from the constant sea breeze from the Atlantic imparting lasting freshness, salinity, and acidity in their Txakoli.
The dry white wine 2021 Rezabal, Txakoli de Getariako Txakolina is a translucent blanc with the slightest hint of greenish hue, and has the quintessential slight spritz upon opening. It’s zesty with flavor layers of lemons, green apples, pineapples, and white flowers. 2021 Rezabal, Txakoli de Getariako Txakolina Rosé is made with the Hondarrabi Beltza grape and explodes from the glass with aromas of peaches, grapefruits, strawberries, and a burst of salinity and stoniness on the finish. Both wines are easy drinking and pair beautifully with a plate of local seafood and a sunny day.
The producer Ameztoi dates back to 1820 and is managed by Ignacio Ameztoi, who is fifth generation winemaker at his historic estate in Getariako Txakolina. Ameztoi is known as the first ever producer of Txakoli rosé. Their 2021 Ameztoi Rubentis Getariako Txakolina Rosé is from a co-fermented blend of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza, which spends six months aging on its lees imparting an extra full-bodied feel. This rosé is said to be the exact shade of pink as the color of their skies at sunset and has brisk saline, cherry, and raspberry notes.
So go pour yourself a big glass of Txakoli! Sit by the sea, or on your patio, and transport to the Basque!