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Getariako Txakolina is a wine-growing area around the Getaria and Zarautz in the province of Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, in Northeast Spain. Txakoli is a lightly sparkling white wine that is traditionally poured into a glass from a height. The refinement and success of Getariako Txakolina are the consequence of unique procedures, superb grapes, and a favorable environment. These components constitute a wine style found nowhere else in Spain, or the globe. The notable sub-region of Getariako Txakolina produces balanced wines that will charm you with their eminence and distinction. We hope you will sample these exceptional wines while you go across the Basque Country wine area.

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Where is the Getariako Txakolina wine region?

Getariako Txakolina also known as Txakoli de Getaria is wine growing area in the Northern Spanish province of Gipuzkoa, on the eastern edge of the Basque country. Most of the viticulture is done within the towns of Aia, Getaria, and Zarautz. The area is just 18km southwest of the French border and 89km east of the City of Bilbao. The Getariako Txakolina is surrounded by the Atlantic ocean from the north and the Pyrenees range from the east. The vineyard surface is approximately 430 hectares with more than 30 wineries in operation. Wines exclusively made from the Hondarrabi Zuri can be found in the picturesque village of Hondarribia. 

History of the Getariako Txakolina wine region

Getariako Txakolina wine appellation is fairly new that recieved the Denominación de Origen Protegida status in 1990. In the early 20th century, the region had more than 1000 hectares of vineyards which decreased to 200 hectares in 1990 due to the infestation. The winemaking process survived for centuries since the middle ages and is still used to produce distinct wines. The viticulture in the region was devastated by Phylloxera and took a long time to recover. The wine appellation formed its wine regulating authority in 1990 to revive centuries-old winemaking. 

The terroir and geography of the Getariako Txakolina wine region

Most of the vineyards are in the coastal region overlooking the Atlantic ocean, safeguarded against frost and heat waves. Vines are grown on hills facing southeast to gain more sunshine. The hills are frequently quite steep and are usually terraced. Vines are supported by wires and, in certain cases, clay or stones. The soil is mostly clay, with a layer of sand on top. The average annual temperature is 13.5 degrees Celsius with an annual rainfall of 1600mm which is the highest among Spanish wine-growing areas. 

Popular grape varieties from the Getariako Txakolina wine region

Hondarrabi Zuri is a native grape variety that is also the dominant variety in the Getariako Txakolina wine appellation accounting for more than 95% of total production. Other grapes grown in the area are as follows:

Red Varietals: Ondarribi Beltza and Hondarrabi Beltza.

White varietals: Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratia / Petit Courbu, Izkiriota / Gros Manseng, Izkiriota Ttippia /Petit Manseng, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

Food to pair with Getariako Txakolina wine 

Pintxos

Pincho is a little snack, a typical dish from the Basque and Navarre area, popular in northern Spain as a tiny snack consumed during small gatherings. Pinchos are closely related to Tapas except it is bored with a toothpick onto a piece of bread. Pichos come in a lot of variations and can be topped up with ham, goat cheese, anchovies, salmon, and nearly anything. This dish can be served hot or cold and is the most ordered snack in bars in the Basque region. 

Marmitako

Marmitako, a tuna stew prepared in a marmita, the basque term for pot, along with potatoes, tomatoes, chiles, and onions. This dish grew in popularity because of the Basque fishermen who ate the tuna they caught with boiled potatoes and Choricero peppers that preserved the food for a long period while at the Cantabrian sea. Today's version consists of tuna, potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. The stew has thick viscosity from the starchy potatoes. The dish is prepared a day ahead of time, garnished with parsley, and is usually served with a glass of white wine.

Chistorra

Chistorra is a fast-cured sausage typically from Spain's Aragon, Basque Country, and Navarre region. Usually made from minced pig or a combination of minced pork and beef, the sausage is encased in lamb tripe or plastic. The fat level of these fabulous sausages ranges from 70-80 percent which gives awesome flavor when baked, grilled, or fried. Chistorra gets its vivid red color from seasoning with garlic, salt, and paprika. These authentic sausages from Basque country are usually served along with tapas and Pinchos. Chistorra is thinner than regular Chorizo with a diameter of around 25mm and a length of around 40-100cm. 

Places to visit in the Getariako Txakolina wine region

La Concha Beach

A crescent-shaped beach of La Concha is located in the city of San Sebastián at the Bay of La Concha in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The beach is one of the famous beaches in Spain for its turquoise water and fine white sand with trendy seaside resorts. The bay's water is hardly deep. Although the tides sometimes limit the available beach space, La Concha always provides stunning vistas from both within and outside the ocean. The beach has always found a space in magazines as one of the best beaches in Europe and Spain. Both the beach and the bay got their names from their resemblance to seashells when viewed from above.

The historic center of Hondarribia

The old town of Hondarribia lies atop a hill in the village of Hondarribia. With more than 1000 years of history, this ancient town boasts centuries-old buildings embellished with geranium flowers. Wander around the narrow streets of this town from the middle ages to explore treasures that stood against time. Visit the church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion y del Manzano featuring gothic architecture which is a must-visit place. While here don't forget to visit Plaza Gipuzkoa, Calle San Pedra, Hendaye beach, and Biarritz aquarium.

Frequently asked questions about Getariako Txakolina

Where is the Getariako Txakolina wine region located?

Getariako Txakolina, also known as Txakoli de Getaria, is a wine-growing region in the northern Spanish province of Gipuzkoa, on the eastern outskirts of the Basque Country. The majority of viticulture takes place in the cities of Aia, Getaria, and Zarautz. The location is about 18 kilometers southwest of the French border and 89 kilometers east of Bilbao.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Hiruzta Bodega
Rezabal
Sidras Bereziatua
Talai Berri Txakolina
Txakoli Basa Lore

What are some of the best Getariako Txakolina wines that people should try?

Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli, Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Ameztoi Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Bodegas Rezabal Txakoli Rose, Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Hiruzta, Getariako Txakolina, Spain

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Getariako Txakolina appellation?

The dominant grape variety in Getariako Txakolina appellation is Hondarrabi Zuri, a native variety mostly grown in the hills in terrace style. 

Red Varietals: Ondarribi Beltza and Hondarrabi Beltza.

White varietals: Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratia / Petit Courbu, Izkiriota / Gros Manseng, Izkiriota Ttippia /Petit Manseng, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

What kind of wine is a Getariako Txakolina?

On the nose, the wine has powerful scents of pear, apple, citrus, and tropical fruit, all highlighted by the gentle effervescence. With a lengthy fragrant finish, this wine is balanced and crisp. The alcohol content is usually between 9.5-13%.

How to pronounce Txakolina?

Txakolina is pronounced as “Chah-Kuh-Leena”.

What are the characteristics of Getariako Txakolina wines?

Getariako Txakolina wines are often light, crisp, and refreshing with high acidity. White wines are typically citrusy, slightly effervescent, and exhibit saline minerality.

What foods pair well with Getariako Txakolina wines?

Getariako Txakolina wines pair well with local Basque cuisine, including seafood, pintxos (Basque tapas), fresh salads, and sheep's milk cheeses.

When is the best time to visit Getariako Txakolina for wine tasting?

Getariako Txakolina can be visited year-round for wine tasting, but the summer months are popular due to the pleasant weather, festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy Txakoli wines with the local gastronomy.

Map of Wineries in Getariako Txakolina

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Getariako Txakolina