Tasting Northern Spain’s Txakoli

Spain’s Basque country yields vivid whites and rosés

The Txueka family at the Etxaniz Txakolina estate in the Getariako Txakolina DO of Basque, Spain
The Txueka family produces the outstanding Txomin Etxaniz wines at their estate, located just 300 feet from the Atlantic Ocean in the Getariako Txakolina appellation. (Courtesy of Etxaniz Txakolina)

Beyond Spain’s famed Rioja wines, the country abounds with distinctive offerings from quirky grape varieties. Bottlings of Txakoli, from northern Spain’s Basque country in and around Bilbao, are prime examples. Get to know complex and exciting white and rosé Txakoli wines with senior editor Alison Napjus in this tasting report. 

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