This dry and refreshing Txacoli Rosado is made mainly of the afore-mentioned Hondarabbi Beltza grape and works well with seafood dishes. A light salmon-pink in colour. On the nose, aromas of summer red fruits, citrus peel and rose petals. On the palate, bone-dry and fresh with further red fruit flavours leading to a short and crisp finish. Brilliant food wine! Try with dressed crab, clams in a salsa verde or gilda ('lollipop') of chilli peppers, black olives and anchovies.
BODEGAS AMEZTOI, Getaria
Located near the Basque fishing village of Getaria, Ignacio Ameztoi’s vineyards are cut into incredibly steep terraced slopes overlooking the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. Ignacio is the seventh generation of Ameztoi to carry on the tradition of producing top Txacolis from his 20-ha vineyard which is planted with the native grapes Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza. The vines are trained on high trellises and the vineyards are not weeded and no chemical sprays are used.
Hand-harvested, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, and bottled with residual Co2 which gives the wine its typical light fizz.
Served in the local pinxtos bars, Txacolis are poured from height into tall tumbler glasses, they are the perfect companion to salted anchovies or tuna in oil. Its light fizz and vivid acidity act as a perfect balance to the richness and saltiness of the fish.