What is Txakoli?
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.
Txakoli wines
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 savoury finish.
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.
Among the wineries deserving special mention on this vinicultural journey is Oxerwines, 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 Wildwines, under the guidance of 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 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 Oxerwines and Makatzak Wildwines, among many others, play a fundamental role in spreading its charm and uniqueness.
