From: Getariako Txakolina, Basque Country, Spain
Varietal: Hondarrabi Zuri
Tasting Notes: Pale white with a touch of green. Fine and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with notes of mint. Initially dry on the palate with a big aromatic finish.
The wine that has come to define the traditional style of txakolina from Getaria. Light, crisp, refreshing, and low alcohol, Ameztoi Txakolina is bottled with a touch of residual carbon dioxide gas to give it its natural, signature, spritzy style. It is produced exclusively from indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grapes at the Ameztoi estate, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. A joyful wine with signature salty and briny notes, crisp acidity, low alcohol, and refreshing spritz naturally complements the region’s exquisite seafood.
Pairing: The 2023 Ameztoi Txakolina is a versatile and refreshing wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some pairing recommendations:
Regional Pairings: The Ameztoi Txakolina is a wine that is traditionally paired with pintxos, small Basque-style tapas dishes. These pintxos often feature fresh seafood, like anchovies or grilled squid, and are typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The bright acidity and subtle salinity of the wine pairs perfectly with these fresh and flavorful pintxos.
Seafood pairing ideas include grilled sardines - The wine's bright acidity and subtle salinity pair perfectly with the rich and oily flavors of grilled sardines. Seared scallops - The wine's subtle salinity and minerality highlight the natural sweetness of the scallops, while its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. Check out this recipe for Ginger Cucumber Salad With Scallops by Mark Bittman. Crispy calamari - The wine's effervescence and subtle salinity complement the crispy texture and savory flavors of the calamari.
Vegetarian Pairings: The Ameztoi Txakolina is also a great pairing for vegetarian dishes. The wine's acidity and effervescence cut through the richness of creamy sauces and cheeses, making it a great pairing for dishes like vegetarian risotto or pasta dishes. The wine also pairs well with dishes featuring fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, which enhance the wine's citrusy flavors.
About. Ignacio Ameztoi is the fifth generation of his family to carry on the tradition of making txakolina in the province of Getaria, and he has played a key role in the advancement of the region in the last decade. His intuitive and fearless pursuit of innovation has been a driving force in the txakolina discipline. Ameztoi Txakolina is traditionally built with high acidity and low alcohol, utilizing only native varieties Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza. The wine is fermented in refrigerated stainless steel tanks utilizing indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. The tanks are closed to preserve natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The tanks are kept chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature mousse. These attributes are unattainable through shortcuts such as force-carbonation, which Ameztoi has never employed...His inspiration to use his area’s signature low alcohol and refreshing acidity as an ally to craft exceptional bottle-fermented sparkling wines has resulted in new possibilities for the region. Txakoli is more than a wine with its own personality, it is the continuation of a centuries-old tradition cultivated along the Basque coast.
