Best Basque Wine Appellation Types
Rioja was the first Spanish appellation that received protected status. This renowned Spanish region is located in the north of the country, on both sides of the river Ebro. It is best known for its red varietals and blends, and while Tempranillo is the dominant grape, blending varieties include Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Maturana varieties.
Some amount of rosés and whites are also produced. The region is vast, and it is divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Aging guidelines categorize it under the generic label with no aging requirements (also known as Joven), Crianza (aged for two years), Reserva (at least three years of age), and Gran Reserva (five years of age and a minimum of two years in a barrel).
VARIATIONS OF Rioja
THE BEST Rioja Wine Appellations
El Coto de Rioja
El Duque de Miralta Rioja Reserva
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2020 2020
Txakoli is a light and fresh, clean-tasting, slightly sparkling, and usually white Spanish wine that is mainly produced in the Basque Country, more precisely in the wine regions Getariako, Bizkaiko, and Alava. The wines are typically made from Hondarrabi Zuri grapes, and although regional expressions may slightly differ, Txakoli wines are low in alcohol and high in acidity, while they usually display crisp fruity notes reminiscent of apples and citrus.
The wines are best enjoyed chilled, and they are traditionally poured from a height, either from the bottle or the pitcher known as porrón, to leave the tiny bubbles intact. Because they are a perfect match to cured meat, seafood, olives, and local cheese, Txakoli wines are a staple at pintxos (tapas) bars throughout Basque.
VARIATIONS OF Txakoli
THE BEST Txakoli Wine Appellations
Rioja Alavesa is one of the sub-regions of the famed Rioja appellation. Situated between the River Ebro and the Cantabria mountain range, it is the smallest and the northernmost region of Rioja. Tempranillo is the primary grape variety, with some amount of Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo.
Alavesa wines are considered of exceptional quality and are often compared to those of Rioja Alta. Unique soil composition (mostly calcareous clay) and high elevation of the vineyards influence the final character of these wines. They usually have a distinctive fruity profile, good acidity, and excellent aging potential.
Getariako Txakolina is a Spanish appellation from Basque Country (Gipuzkoa) that produces white Txakoli wines—crisp white wines that the entire Basque region is famous for. The wines are low in alcohol and typically lightly bubbly.
Most are made from the native Hondarrabi Zuri grapes. Getariako Txakolina is one of the three Txakoli appellations. The examples coming from this region usually have brighter acidity. They will also mostly have a mineral, saline note, because of the vicinity to the Cantabrian sea (Bay of Biscay).
These wines have low alcohol content, around 10%.
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