Txakoli (also spelled Txakolina) is a wine region primarily located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The name "Txakoli" comes from the Basque word "txakurra," which means "dog," as the wine is traditionally poured from a height to produce a slight effervescence, creating a sound similar to a dog's bark.
The Txakoli wine region is known for producing light, crisp, and slightly sparkling white wines, with a low alcohol content. The main grape varieties used in Txakoli production are Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza for white and red wines, respectively.
There are three main sub-regions within the Txakoli Denomination of Origin (DO):
Getariako Txakolina: Located near the coastal town of Getaria, this is the most famous sub-region and often the most well-known Txakoli wine in the international market.
Bizkaiko Txakolina: Situated in the province of Biscay (Bizkaia), this area also produces Txakoli wines with its unique characteristics.
Arabako Txakolina: Found in the province of Álava, this sub-region is the smallest and least well-known of the three.
Each sub-region has its own microclimate and terroir, influencing the flavors and styles of the wines produced.
Txakoli is best enjoyed young and fresh, typically served in tall, thin glasses to highlight its effervescence. It pairs well with various seafood dishes and pintxos, which are Basque-style tapas.
Keep in mind that the wine industry is constantly evolving, and new developments may have occurred since my last update. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking recent wine guides or official sources related to the Txakoli wine region.