From: Getaria Spain
Blend: Hondarrabi Beltza, Hondarrabi Zuri
Taste: The 2022 Txakoli Txomin Etxaniz Rosé dazzles with a soft pink hue when poured. The nose is greeted with aromatic notes of grapefruit, sour cherry, and white flowers, further invigorated by hints of watermelon. On the palate, it is fresh and minerally, encapsulating the perfect equilibrium between richness and a bright frizzante character. The sensation of a glyceric glide followed by a spritz and a zesty finish of fresh lime juice ensures a tasting experience that is both unique and memorable.
Critical acclaim: Off-dry rosé with chalk, cherry stones, grapefruit and a hint of blanched almonds. The super high acidity is balanced with a smart dose of sweetness before a tangy, medium-length finish. - JS 90, James Suckling
Pairing: This rosé pairs impeccably with starters, seafood, fish, and white meats, notably enhancing the flavors of dishes such as Shallow-Poached Salmon with Leek Beurre Blanc. The harmony of the wine's acidity, frizzante character, and just-off-dry nature is a treat for the senses when combined with the right dish.
Shallow-Poached Salmon with Leek Beurre Blanc
By Mary-Frances Heck
About. Rooted in the heart of Getaria, a region known for its rich winemaking history, the Txueka-Etxaniz family has been passionate about the art of winemaking for centuries. They've been crafting wine near Getaria since 1649, making them one of the most historic and essential winemaking families in this part of the Basque Country. Indeed, Domingo de Echaniz's lineage to the present-day Txueka-Etxaniz family narrates a story of unwavering dedication, not only to the preservation of the Hondarrabi grape variety but also to the conservation of the very essence of the Getariako Txakolina D.O., established in 1989.
The family's commitment to tradition continues to embrace innovation. They've played a pivotal role in breathing new life into Txakoli production, leading the charge towards modernization while ensuring that the essence of the Getariako Txakolina style, fiercely Basque, remains untouched.
Situated on the edge of a ridge, Txomin Etxaniz is surrounded by 35 hectares of sloped vineyards, with panoramic views that intertwine history, land, and sea. This location offers a unique terroir where the maritime climate and predominantly clay soil, covered by sandy layers, play a crucial role in imparting character to the wines.
This terrain favors the growth of Hondarrabi Zuri, which makes up 90% of their vineyards, while Hondarrabi Beltza, the backbone of their rosé, constitutes the remaining 10%. Harvested by hand in early October, the meticulous process of white vinification, pneumatic pressing in an inert atmosphere, and fermentation at controlled temperatures unveils the true potential of these grapes. Txomin Etxaniz's use of the méthode Champenoise, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottles, adds a frizzante character to their wines.
