D.O. Arabako Txakolina

Wine-growing area (Txakolina in Basque) in the Basque region of northern Spain, north of Rioja and close to the French border. It consists of three parts. These are the DO Chacolí de Alava (in Basque Arabako Txakolina), classified as recently as 2001, with 75 hectares, the DO Chacolí de Guetaria (in Basque Getariako Txakolina) with 175 hectares and the DO Chacolí de Vizcaya (in Basque Bizkaiko Txakolina) with 195 hectares. Until phylloxera, there were still over 1,000 hectares of vines here. The vineyards on clay, limestone and chalk soils are tiny and widely scattered. There is abundant rainfall, but also plenty of sun, and the vines are raised on pergolas. Over 80% acidic, low-alcohol, naturally carbonated white wines are made from Hondarribi Zuri (synonymous with several varieties; see Hondarribi Beltza) with small amounts of Petit Manseng, Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng and Folle Blanche. The red wine is produced from Hondarribi Beltza.