Basque Country

Question 1

Describe the Basque Country growing area

Answer 1

• Autonomous community along coast of northern Spain
• Split by the Cantabrian cordillera
• Northern DOs of Bilbao and San Sebastian produce Txakoli

Question 2

Describe the growing environment of the Basque Country

Answer 2

• Unsheltered from Atlantic
• Moderate maratime climate, up to 1600mm per annum
• Canopy managment crucial to avoid fungal disease

Question 3

Describe the wines of the Basque Country

Answer 3

• Main white grape of Hondarrabi Zuri
• Fermented in cool stainless steel, bottled and releasd early
• high acid, medium minus body, low alcohol, fresh apple, pear, lemon, often with a slight spritz
• Some producers are making more textural examples with lees, oak and bottle age
• Some rosado, red, sweet whites and sparkling wines are made