Winemaker Notes
Clean and bright. Pale yellow color with greenish glints against the light. When poured into the glass from a certain height, reveals the presence of tiny carbonation bubbles typically associated with this type of txakoli. Intense aromas of white (pear and apple), citrus (grapefruit) and tropical (pineapple and passion fruit) fruits on the nose, all accentuated by the subtle effervescence of natural carbon dioxide gas. Balanced and fresh in the mouth, it has quite a sharp taste with well-integrated acidity. Agreeable on the palate with hints of citrus and tropical fruits in the aftertaste. Long, aromatic finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
From the sea-bound legacy of Juan Sebastián Elcano to the mythical figures of Mari and Lamia, the region teems with stories of protective spirits said to dwell in the hills of Zarautz and Getaria—guardians of the delicate Txakolina vines. Basque hospitality runs deep, symbolized by the Eternal Flame and echoed in an old saying: "A stranger brings stories; a friend brings cider; family brings Txakolina." The 2024 Hiruzta Txakoli channels this heritage. Brisk and radiant, it dances across the palate with tropical fruit, garden herbs, and ripe citrus—an inspired pairing with Japanese grilled seafood like miso-marinated black cod, yakitori-style scallops, or salt-grilled squid. (Best Served: 2025-2027)
The name Hiruzta means “a three-person harvest” in Basque, referring to winery owners Asensio Rekalde and his sons Txarli and Angel, whose shared dream of creating a winery in Hondarribia is now a reality. Txakoli production in this village dates back to 1186, however the tradition was lost during a long stretch of sieges and battles that took place there in the early 1600’s. Through years of work the Rekalde family has recovered and revitalized Hondarribia’s viticultural heritage, with nine vineyard plots that sit in the Jaizkibel foothills that surround the winery. Hiruzta is not only a winery, it is a philosophy of life. Bringing together discovery, passion and culture; this family winery is located in Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-lee) a region in Northeastern Spain’s Basque country. Known for producing light, crisp wines from indigenous grapes like Hondarrabi Zuri, they are an excellent aperitif and since they are lower in alcohol it makes for the perfect Summer sipper.
Txakoli is the wine produced in the Basque Country of Spain, mainly with the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety; a native grape that makes Txakoli stand out from any other wine worldwide. Txakoli has been produced in Hondarribia for several centuries, it is the city to which this native grape owes its name. It is picturesque fishing village that has managed to ensure the preservation of its architecture, history and an important gastronomic culture among its inhabitants. Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content. It is normally served as an aperitif and drunk within one year of bottling as it cannot be stored for much longer. The most common, white, variety has a pale green color, but there are red and rosé varieties. When served, it is normally poured into tall glasses from a height.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
On the southern edge of the rocky Bay of Biscay in northern Spain, this is Basque country and home to the refreshing and slightly effervescent (usually) white wine, Txakoli. Three subregions compose the larger one: Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina and Arabako Txakolina. While Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza are the main grape varieties, other French varieties are scattered throughout the region.