Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region

Bizkaiko Txakolina is a DO wine zone within the Basque Country, in northern Spain. It is known for its light, slightly spritzy, and very dry white wines. The wines are traditionally made in the process of carbonic maceration. Bizkaiko Txakolina is a picturesque woodland with forests, valleys and varied landscapes! If you're looking for some much-needed peace and quiet, this place is perfect. The fresh air will blow over any worries you might have and the scenery here is just stunning. There are also many vineyards that guests can walk through if they want to. The Bizkaiko Txakolina wine region of the Basque Country has an array of wines renowned throughout the world. As you visit the Basque Country, we hope you will try these fine wines and appreciate their excellence. Bizkaiko Txakolina is known around the world as one of the three most significant wine areas in the world.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region!

Where is Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region

Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region is in the Basque Country,  northern Spain. It is located at an average altitude of 50 to 200 meters above sea level.

History of Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region

Bizkaiko Txakolina DO was created in 1994 and covers around 250 hectares of vineyards. Winemaking was initially done this way for hundreds of years, and it remained popular from the Middle Ages until the late 1800s. But its popularity declined when wine production in Europe was ruined by "phylloxera" and industrialisation. There are now 36 DOP-registered wineries.

Terrior of Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Region

In Bizkaiko Txakolina, vineyards can be found at different altitudes. Some are located near sea level while others are found at 400 meters high. They are usually planted in zones with limestone and marl stone and in areas with a rather acid soil. One reason that wineries are often situated at the bottom of the slope is because they can take advantage of sun when it shines, despite cloudy conditions.

The Atlantic climate of the coast and the Bay of Biscay’s proximity provide a perfect environment for grape cultivation, as well as good vine. Using the environment as your frame of reference, it can be noted how, for example, the humidity increases in summer and drys out in autumn. The temperature remains mild because of the sea breeze that blows all year long. South winds also produce wet summer periods but work to make winters more temperate that they would otherwise be.

Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine Characteristics 

Bizkaiko txakolina's sophistication and reach are due in large part to the grape varietals, the climate, and the attention from winemakers. This results in a style of wine that is unavailable elsewhere either in spain or elsewhere.

The main grape varieties in Bizkaiko Txakolina are Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratia, and Hondarrabi Beltza.

HONDARRABI ZURI is found in the Basque region and sets txakoli apart from all other wines in the world. With its aromas and flavors, this coastal variety is hard to resist.

Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratia can be recognised by its smaller clusters. It has a flowery, vegetable aroma with a hint of bitterness.

HONDARRABI BELTZA - this variety of grape produces aromatic wines with very intense fruity sensations. In this region, you'll also find authorized grape varieties: MUNEO MAHATSA, IZKIRIOTA, IZKIRIOTA TTIPPIA, SAUVIGNON BLANC, RIESLING and CHARDONNAY.

Food to pair with Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine

Kokotxas

Kokotxas are an essential ingredient for Basque cuisine. They are fish heads that usually come from hake or cod, and the dishes they're used in usually have a sauce made of white wine, garlic and flo. Kokotxas are traditionally served in green sauce which is a mixture of olive oil, flour, fish stock, garlic and finely chopped parsley. The kokotxas are lightly fried in a clay casserole pot and the mixture is served with the sauce. It's recommended to serve the dish with bread for mopping up the sauce. Bizkaiko Txakolina’s wine pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Tigres

The dish is made up of mussels stuffed with a combination of onions and flour cooked in wine. Tigres are first dipped in eggs and then covered in bread crumbs. They are then fried in hot oil and the sauce is often made of tomatoes and anchovies. Many people say that this dish pairs well with Bizkaiko txakolina’s wine.

Angulas

If you enjoy eating eels as much as most Spaniards do, we have a traditional recipe for you! The 'Angulas a la Bilbao' calls for frying hot peppers and garlic in olive oil. Once the vegetables have soften, add the baby eels to your pan and let them simmer until their skin turns white. Diners eat with wooden cutlery, so that metallic tints won't change the taste. Bizkaiko Txakolina’s wine is a great match for this dish.

Places to visit near Bizkaiko Txakolina

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach can be found in San Sebastian. It is stunning and considered by many to be one of, if not the most beautiful beach in all of Spain, or even Europe. If you are looking for that perfect, beautiful location with an idyllic view, the beach is waiting for you. The sand is fine and the turquoise water soothes your mind and body.

The Guggenheim Museum

This museum is an amazing piece of art in and of itself and one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Basque Country. In the Guggenheim Museum you will find art by Basque artists - among them a large variety of work from centuries ago to the present day. There are many artworks on exhibition at ARTEZ and their creativity will intrigue you. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you here.

Casco Viejo

Here's a Basque town called Bilbao, arguably one of the best places to visit in the area. The buildings and scenery are incredible! One of the things to make sure you do when visiting Bilbao is explore Bilbao's original 7 streets, known as Los Siete Calles. They date back to sometime before 1400 and are still a major part of the city's architecture.

Frequently asked questions about  Bizkaiko Txakolina Wine