Txakoli Agerre Rose | Getaria, Spain
Txakoli (pronounced ‘Tcha-Ko-Lee’ and also seen as Chacoli) is a slightly sparkling, very dry and very crisp white wine with a comparatively low alcohol content. It is produced entirely in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country.
Txakoli Rose is not a fully sparkling wine but has a natural ‘spritz’. It is traditionally poured from head height into the glass held at waist level – this flamboyant serving aerates the wine and helps add a certain ‘sparkle’. Txakoli is perfect light drinking and, for the Basque people, often accompanies seafood pinchos.
The Agerre family has been growing grapes in Getaria for three generations. Emilio Agerre is the third generation of winemakers and currently runs the winery with the help of his wife and son. The family owns 15 Hectares (37 acres) planted on the slopes of a mountain overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Getaria. The vines range from 10-30 years old, with the Atlantic climate the perfect habitat for the Hondarrabi zuri. The soils are sandy loam over gravel of Tertiary origin. These being quintessential basque party wines. You may have seen them poured from porron or cask.
The vines range from 10-30 years old, with the Atlantic climate the perfect habitat for the Hondarrabi Zuri. The soils are composed of limestone sandy loam over gravel of Tertiary origin. The soil composition and steep incline allow for excellent drainage. The vineyards face east to maximize the sun exposure and protect the plants from the wind coming from the west. The vines are trained in pergolas to a height of around 6 ft to avoid the moisture from the ground and maximize airing of the clusters.
Entirely made by hand in small crates on the 2nd half of September and early October. With the native yeasts from the Estate in Small stainless steel tanks. Ageing: 6 weeks of lees contact. The wine is allowed to settle naturally by gravity and is only minimally fined or filtered.