Arabako Txakolina

Created in 2001, DO Arabako Txakolina is the legal organism in charge of controlling the production of the traditional Txakolí white wine in the region of Àlava, Basque Country. The area recognized by the Designation of origin comprises five villages: Aiara, Artziniega, Amurrio, Laudio and Okondo. They are all located the Ayala county, an Atlantic climate area located in the northern part of Àlava.

The grape varieties authorized by the DO Arabako Txakolina are the indigenous Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu), both well adapted to the cool humid climate of the region. The French grapes Gros Manseng (Izkiriota) and Petit Manseng (Izkiriota Ttippia) are also permitted, provided that they do not exceed 20% of the final blend. The red wines, which are quite rare, are produced from the Hondarribi Beltza variety.

As for the styles of wine, the majority of Txakolí wines are sold young, one or two years after the harvest. Other styles include late harvest wines, wines aged on lees, wines fermented in oak, red wines and ojo de gallo (rosé and claret wines).

Red wine varieties:

Hondarribi Beltza

Variedades blancas:

Hondarribi Zuri, Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu), Izkiriota (Gros Manseng), Izkiriota Ttippia (Petit Manseng).