THE HISTORY OF TXACOLI, A BASQUE COUNTRY WINE

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A journey through the history and unique flavours of this Basque wine.

In northern Spain, in the beautiful region of the Basque Country, lies a wine jewel that has captivated wine lovers around the world: Txakoli. But this is not just a wine; it is an expression of the history, tradition and vibrant spirit of a land rich in culture and spectacular scenery.

Txakoli, also known as chacoli, is a young, lightly carbonated white wine, a unique and refreshing drink that reflects the rich winemaking and cultural tradition of the area.

The production of this wine in the Basque Country has a long history dating back to Roman times. In its present form it began to be made in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 16th century, production spread throughout the region and was very popular with the local population. A traditional drink of the area, it was consumed in the famous Basque caseríos (rural houses).

In 1989 the Txakoli de Getaria Denomination of Origin was created, which guarantees the quality and authenticity of the wine produced in this region.

Basque farmers developed specific innovative cultivation techniques to optimise the yield of the vines in this unique environment, such as the trellising system called ‘en espalier’, which allows better use of sunlight.

It is a family tradition, as many Txakoli wineries are family businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation, preserving techniques and recipes passed down from father to son for centuries.

Nowadays, it is one of the most recognised and appreciated wines in Spain, being exported to countries all over the world, becoming an increasingly common option on the wine lists of wineries and restaurants all over the world.

Production of Txakoli

Production is mainly artisanal, where the coastal hills of the Basque Country, with their cool Atlantic climate and sandy soils, provided the ideal environment for the cultivation of the indigenous grape varieties used in production.

Txakoli is made mainly from the white grape varieties Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zerratia and Hondarrabi Beltza.

The grapes are harvested by hand on the hillsides near the Cantabrian Sea, where the climatic conditions are optimal for cultivation.

After harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the mosto, which is the grape juice.

The mosto is fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruity and floral aromas characteristic of this wine.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is bottled early to maintain its freshness and youth. It does not usually undergo barrel ageing processes.

Some varieties of Txakoli are characterised by a slight degree of natural carbonation, which occurs during fermentation.

Curiosities and Denominations of Origin

It is traditionally served in small quantities and poured from a height to increase its effervescence and improve its flavour. There are three Denominations of Origin for Txakoli: Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina and Arabako Txakolina, each with its own distinctive characteristics.

Pairing

This wine is characterised by its freshness, acidity and light fruity touch, which makes it an ideal wine to pair with traditional Basque dishes such as cod in pil pil sauce.

The acidity of the wine brings out the flavours of the seafood and fish, creating a delicious and refreshing combination.

This Wine is a perfect companion for the pintxos and tapas typical of the Basque Country, its freshness and lightness balancing the intense flavours of these small gastronomic delights.

As well as pairing with typical Basque dishes, it can also be enjoyed with a wide variety of international cuisine, from Asian to Mediterranean cuisine.

Fresh, light salads go very well with it. Its acidity complements the flavours of the vegetables and enhances the freshness of the ingredients.

The combination of Txacoli and Asian cuisine brings its acidity and freshness, contrasting and balancing the exotic and spicy flavours of these dishes, creating a unique gastronomic experience.

Fresh and light cheeses also harmonise very well with Txakoli.

As you can see, there are many combinations that can inspire you to enjoy this wine, the pairing is a whole experience to discover new combinations.

Txacoli festivals and events

Different festivals and events are organised throughout the year around this drink, where you can enjoy wine tasting, pairings with traditional Basque food and live music. Some of the most outstanding festivals and events are:

Getaria Txakoli Fair: Held in the town of Getaria in spring, where you can taste the different types of txakoli from the area and meet the local producers.

Alava Txakoli Wine Show: This is held in the town of Amurrio in October, where you can taste the txakoli wines of the Alava area accompanied by pintxos and live music.

Txakoli Day in Bilbao: Held in July in the Basque capital, where txakoli tastings are held at different wineries in the region, as well as cultural and gastronomic activities.

Harvest Festival in Hondarribia: Held in September in the coastal town of Hondarribia, where you can take part in the harvest and taste the first musts of the season.

In short, the history of Txakoli is a story of passion, tradition and excellence. Every sip of this delicious wine transports us to the rolling hills and sea-drenched vineyards of the Basque Country, reminding us of the richness and diversity of this fascinating region. Plan your adventure with us and live this unique experience in Northern Spain.