Hondarribi Zuri is a white grape varietal chiefly propagated in Spain's Basque Country, specifically in the Chacoli/Getariako Txakolina regions, though it has been known to grow elsewhere. It is the main variety used in producing Basque white wine, also known as Txakoli, which is a slightly sparkling, very dry wine, with high acidity and low alcohol content.
This grape is notable for producing wines that are luminous with a sharp, almost cutting freshness. Hondarribi Zuri grapes uniquely lean towards adding a slight natural petillance to the wine, resulting in a wine that is characteristically light, crisp and thirst-quenching.
The grape clusters, typically small and tight, have a high resistance to the damp, maritime climate of the Basque Coast, making them ideally suited to the region. The Hondarribi Zuri tends to ripen late in the season, often not until October, resulting in wines that have an inherently high acidity and lower alcohol levels.
The wine derived from the Hondarribi Zuri grape is typically light straw in colour and exhibits unique, appetising aromas of green apples, citrus fruit, and wildflowers, with occasional notes of oceanic salinity that pay homage to the grape’s coastal origin. The result is a fresh, aromatic, and slightly effervescent wine, lending itself well to consuming young, especially during the summer months or as an appetising aperitif.
On the palate, Hondarribi Zuri wines have an enlivening zesty punch, often showcasing lime, grapefruit, and a hint of unripe pear. Despite their acidity, they typically finish with a soft, rounded mouthfeel. It is recommended that they are served chilled, to accentuate their refreshing properties.
While Hondarribi Zuri is not globally well-known, these unique characteristics certainly position it as a hidden treasure amongst white wine varietals. Its sparkle and distinct flavours make it an alluring and convivial addition to the discerning wine lover’s collection.
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