Hiruzta Bodega Txakolina 2023
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.
Tasting notes
Clean and bright. Pale yellow colour 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.
Production notes
Grapes harvested and transported in small crates. Destemming and crushing followed by rinsing and soft pressing. Cold static settling of the first must at 8/10oC. Storage in tanks at a low temperature to maintain the naturally occurring carbonation. Gentle clarification and stabilisation. Sterile bottling and filtration though microbial stabilisation at a low temperature.
Vintage | 2023 |
Varietal | 100% Hondarrabi Zuri |
Appellation | Getariako Txakolina |
Designation | DO |
Alcohol | 12.00% |
Volume | 750 ml |
Country of Origin | SPAIN |
State of Origin | N/A |
Artificially Carbonated | No |
Sparkling Wine | No |
The winery’s own 17 ha. vineyard is located in the surroundings of the winery itself, at the foothills of Jaizkibel Mountain. It is oriented towards the mid-day sun which protects it from the wind and damp of the nearby Cantabrian sea, thereby enjoying excellent sunshine. Trellis grown vineyard using double Guyot training system. Plantation layout: 2.60 x 1.20 (3,200 strains/hectare). Soil with a thick bedrock layer and clayish marly.