Help with Txakoli

Don,

A few other names to throw out:

Rezebal
Nicolas Ulacia y hijos
Txacolí de Álava Arabako Txakoli (in Arabako)

Enjoy your trip.

I was at a Winefair in Bilbao last november and tried a lot if Txakoli’s. Stand outs were - in no particular order:


Senorio de Astobiza - Arabako
Gorka Izagirre - Bizkaiko
Itsasmendi - Bizkaiko
Gorrondona - Bizkaiko
Rezabal - Getariako
Hiruzta - Getariako
K5 Mahatsondo

Beautiful, crisp white wines!

Honestly, in my 7-8 trips to Basque country, I’ve had a ton of Txakoli, and never asked about or even noticed the producers. I just ask the bartender what they like and I have always enjoyed it with the food I’m served. If I were looking to bring some home, maybe I would, but it’s always seemed like something that just flows with the pintxos, and I am content not asking questions or thinking too much.

Ameztoi and Gurrutxaga

Sarah, big +1.

BTW I like your travel style and value your posts in that forum.

Thanks very much! Glad to know you find them useful.

I’d second the advice to just walk into a bar / restaurant and order what they have (often just one producer). The ones I liked best were:

Iturrialde - Gorka Izagirre
Rezabal Txakolindegia Itsas Begi - Arri
Zudugarai
Txomin Extaniz

If you want to drink locally and want a variation from Txakoli: Rioja Alavesa

I prefer Ameztoi Rubentis (Getariako) for rose, current vintage is 2014.
They also make a very cool limited production bottling of sparkling rose in method champenoise style called Hijo de Rubentis, current vintage is 2013.
For white I was serving Txomin Extaniz (Getariako) and two txakolis from Doniene Gorrondona (Bizkaiko). The first is entry level Doniene Gorrondona Gorrondona, current vintage is 2014. Then for a few dollars more, and significantly better I think, they make a vineyard selection old vines Doniene Gorrondona Doniene, current vintage is 2013.
I have also served Xarmant Arabako (Arabako) white and J.I. Exteberria Bengoetxe (Getariako) white by the glass, both of which are a step down in price from the former two. Bengoetxe has a smokiness I like. Xarmant has a fresh cut and tang.

Thanks for everyone’s input here. I appreciate it.