Spain - Getariako Txakolina
Getaria Txakoli (or Txakoli de Getaria or Getariako Txakolina) is is one of three wine producing areas in the Basque Country in the north of Spain and is located around Getaria and Zarautz, small fishing towns on the coast of the Bay of Biscay
The cultivated area has increased from 60ha to 227ha since certification in 1989, though this is down from over 1,000ha at the turn of the 20th century. Most of the vines are over 80 years old with roots of up to 10 m deep. There are now 17 wineries (bodegas) registered with the DO.
The vineyards are all located near the coast where they are protected from the spring frost and from the summer heat. They are planted on the southeast facing slopes for additional protection from the sea breezes and in order to receive more sunlight. Vines are grown to a taller height than usual, with the foliage forming a contiguous canopy to improve the micro-climate.
Two varieties of grapes are used to make Txacolí de Getaria: Hondarrabi Zuri, a white grape, representing 95% of the grapes planted, with the minority red Hondarrabi Beltza making up the 5%. Traditionally, the wine is tasted on the feast of San Antonio on 17 January, which is known as Txacolí Day.