Hiruzta Txakoli 2018
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Robert
Parker
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Clean and bright. Pale yellow color with greenish glints against the light. When poured into the glass from a certain height, reveals the presence of tiny carbonation bubbles typically associated with this type of txakoli. Intense aromas of white (pear and apple), citrus (grapefruit) and tropical (pineapple and passion fruit) fruits on the nose, all accentuated by the subtle effervescence of natural carbon dioxide gas. Balanced and fresh in the mouth, it has quite a sharp taste with well integrated acidity. Agreeable on the palate with hints of citrus and tropical fruits in the aftertaste. Long, aromatic finish.
Pair with appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, mild cheeses, shellfish, fish, rice and pulses.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The red 2018 Tinto was produced exclusively with the scarce red variety Hondarribi Beltza and from very young vines. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in used French oak barrels for six months. Red Txakoli is still a rarity, but in my mind, this herbal and peppery character defines the Atlantic reds quite well. It has some rusticity but with character. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with fine, slightly dusty tannins, and it's a bit earthy and has a spicy/green finish that provides freshness. It's not terribly complex, but very satisfying.
Other Vintages
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Wilfred
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James
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- Decanter
The name Hiruzta means “a three-person harvest” in Basque, referring to winery owners Asensio Rekalde and his sons Txarli and Angel, whose shared dream of creating a winery in Hondarribia is now a reality. Txakoli production in this village dates back to 1186, however the tradition was lost during a long stretch of sieges and battles that took place there in the early 1600’s. Through years of work the Rekalde family has recovered and revitalized Hondarribia’s viticultural heritage, with nine vineyard plots that sit in the Jaizkibel foothills that surround the winery. Hiruzta is not only a winery, it is a philosophy of life. Bringing together discovery, passion and culture; this family winery is located in Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-lee) a region in Northeastern Spain’s Basque country. Known for producing light, crisp wines from indigenous grapes like Hondarrabi Zuri, they are an excellent aperitif and since they are lower in alcohol it makes for the perfect Summer sipper.
Txakoli is the wine produced in the Basque Country of Spain, mainly with the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety; a native grape that makes Txakoli stand out from any other wine worldwide. Txakoli has been produced in Hondarribia for several centuries, it is the city to which this native grape owes its name. It is picturesque fishing village that has managed to ensure the preservation of its architecture, history and an important gastronomic culture among its inhabitants. Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content. It is normally served as an aperitif and drunk within one year of bottling as it cannot be stored for much longer. The most common, white, variety has a pale green color, but there are red and rosé varieties. When served, it is normally poured into tall glasses from a height.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
On the southern edge of the rocky Bay of Biscay in northern Spain, this is Basque country and home to the refreshing and slightly effervescent (usually) white wine, Txakoli. Three subregions compose the larger one: Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina and Arabako Txakolina. While Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza are the main grape varieties, other French varieties are scattered throughout the region.