Hiruzta Berezia Txakoli, Hondarribia

Tasting Note

Lovely pale yellow colour with glints of green and rich aromas of apple, citrus (grapefruit) and tropical (pineapple) fruits, cloaked in a subtle floral perfume. Very fresh in the mouth with a well-integrated acidity and the full-bodied quality associated with this variety, enhanced by the ageing on the lees. Long, enveloping, aromatic and very persistent finish.

Producer Note

The project has been launched by the Rekalde Family, whose aim is to restore the tradition of txakoli production in Hondarribia (the town which lends its name to the grape variety with which txakoli is produced – the Hondarrabi Zuri); this tradition was lost in the 17th century and is now being restored thanks to the HIRUZTA project. The first vineyards were planted in 2008, and the first wines were placed on the market in 2011.

Vineyard

The young vineyards were planted in 2007. All vines are trained in a trellis system. This is not the traditional planting method, it is used to avoid the high humidity, to have more air flow and to maximise sun exposure during the day. The climate is wet and rainy and so the vines are planted in a south-west exposure to capitilise on the sunshine.

Winemaking

Grapes selected for harvesting at a small Hondarrabi Zuri vineyard with the finest maturing conditions and loaded into small crates. De-stemming and crushing, followed by gentle pressing. Cold racking at 8 to 10'C. Fermentation at a controlled temperature of between 16 and 18C. Aged on the lees in tanks for four months and stirred without aeration once a week. Gentle clarification and stabilisation.

Grape

Hondarrabi Zuri 95%, Gros Manseng 5%