Arabako Txakolina
| Country | Spain |
|---|---|
| Region | Basque country |
| Size | 750mL |
| Style | White |
| Producer | Tantaka |
| Practices | Organic |
| Grapes | Hondarrabi Zuri |
100% Hondarrabi Zuri from 13-year-old vines planted at 330 meters high on alluvial, clay soils over limestone . They come from 4 small family plots totaling 4.6 hectares.
The vineyards are located at 1,082 feet altitude in the village of Artomaña in the Ayala (Aiara in Euskara) municipality of Álava. They are flanked by the dramatic, steep cliffs surrounding the Arrastaria Valley. The grapes are harvested by hand mid-September and gently pressed. Spontaneous fermentation. The wine is aged on the lees for 5 months in 2,500L stainless steel tanks.
A fine and delicate white with good concentration and a lovely salinity. It offers precision and tension, some spicy notes and a hint of mint. 12.5% alcohol. 2,525 cases produced.
Farming practices: organic. Spontaneous cover crops of local flora.
About the Producer
In the DO of Arabako they eschew the bubbles found in Txakoli from other regions. 45-year-old Juanjo Tellaetxe crafts wines that are organically farmed and naturally made, on land his family has owned since time immemorial. His goal is to produce “honest wines with a deep, local character… avoiding manipulation and masking”. His dedication to Tantaka is second only to his first devotion, his role as priest in the local village.
The family vineyards are located in the Basque Country, south of Bilbao, in Artomaña. This small town is situated in the Valle de Arrastaria, which belongs to the province of Alava. The grape varieties grown are Hondarribi Zuri (Corbu Blanc), Hondarribi Zerratia (Petit Corbu), Riesling and Hondarribi Beltza. Juan began making his wines in 2017.
Farming practices: organic.