The wine, which is an inseparable part of Basque Country identity
Written by
Maria Gazhe
Maria Gazhe is a pastry chef, recipe developer and food writer. She currently owns and operates a pastry shop that cooks to order for private clients, restaurants and hotels
| December 14, 2023
WHAT IS TXACOLI?
From the heart of the Basque Country, emerges a vinicultural gem that has remained in the shadows for many: Txakoli. Its vineyards cling to the beautiful green coast of this region, creating a genuine surprise for wine lovers.
Despite other vinicultural regions taking the spotlight with renowned grape varieties, here in the Basque Country, Txakoli has flourished in relative obscurity, preserving its unique and captivating identity.
TXACOLI WINES Txakoli is a slightly sparkling traditional wine from the Basque Country, very dry with high acidity, made from indigenous white grape varieties. Palate: Txakoli wines are known for their delicate sparkling effect with refreshing, light and gentle notes of citrus and white fruits, usually followed by herbal notes. Thanks to the special terroir, mineral and salt notes are clearly felt in the wine, which create a pleasant piquant aftertaste.
TXACOLI WINES
Txakoli is a slightly sparkling traditional wine from the Basque Country, very dry with high acidity, made from indigenous white grape varieties.
Palate: Txakoli wines are known for their delicate sparkling effect with refreshing, light and gentle notes of citrus and white fruits, usually followed by herbal notes. Thanks to the special terroir, mineral and salt notes are clearly felt in the wine, which create a pleasant piquant aftertaste.
NAME
To better understand the wonder of these lands and Txakoli, we must delve into its roots, which are intertwined with the rich Basque history. The word “Txakoli” originates from the Basque language, “etxeko eina,” meaning “wine made at home.” This wine reflects the passion and pride that the inhabitants of this region feel for their land and culture.
HISTORY
The roots of Txakoli are deeply embedded in Basque history, serving as a testament to the profound love and pride that the people of this region hold for their land and culture. As we venture deeper into the world of Txakoli, we discover the grape varieties used, the family wineries that have preserved its legacy, and the unique characteristics that make this wine special.
THE TXACOLI DENOMINATIONS OF ORIGIN Txacoli is produced under umbrella of three Denominations of Origin, which brings together small and medium-sized local family wineries: Arabako Txakolina/Txalolí de Álava/Chacolí de Álava Bizkaiko Txakolina/Txalolí de Bizkaia/Chacolí de Bizkaia Getariako Txakolina/Txalolí de Taria/Chacolí de Getaria
THE TXACOLI DENOMINATIONS OF ORIGIN
Txacoli is produced under umbrella of three Denominations of Origin, which brings together small and medium-sized local family wineries:
WINERIES
Among Among the wineries deserving special mention on this vinicultural journey is Oxer Wines, with its Txakoli Marko, which left an indelible impression on my memory from the first sip. While its name, bearing a resemblance to mine (Marc), may have contributed to this emotional connection, what truly captivated me was the precision and distinctive acidity of Txakoli, combined with a volume I had never before experienced in this vinicultural region. As I explored more wines from this area, my appreciation for the uniqueness and quality of Oxer’s biodynamic approach deepened.
Another vinicultural gem worthy of mention is Makatzak Wild Wines, under the guidance of oenologist Aitor Irazu. This winery represented a remarkable discovery in my journey through the world of Txakoli, as it was the first time I experienced Txakoli crafted entirely naturally, leaving me amazed. The energy that Aitor Irazu conveys through his wines is truly fascinating, especially considering the admirable precision and depth of his natural wines.
Txakoli is a hidden treasure that deserves to be uncovered, and wineries like Oxer Wines and Makatzak Wild Wines, among many others, play a fundamental role in spreading its charm and uniqueness.
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