Northernmost Apellation in Spain: Getariako

The tiny apellation (only 124 acres) of Getariako, deep in Basque country, may also be one of the most beautiful and I believe the northernmost D.O. in Spain. As you can see the vineyards of Getariako come practically to the Atlantic ocean a bit west of San Sebastian were the maritime climate gives the wines a light, crisp, slightly effervescent quality. As most things Basque, they have their own style of wine, their own oddly named varieties that are produced nowhere else and a long history behind it. The Txomin Etxaniz (pronounced "Chomin Eh-chaneez") estate run by the Txueka ("Chueka") family in the heart of Getariako is one of the oldest producers of Txacoli with vineyard plantings dating back to 1649 though the official recognition of the D.O. (Denomination of Origin) region of Getariako Txakolina only came in 1989.

About the wines:

Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli White 2011 (more info)is made of 85% Hondarrabi Zuri and 15% Hondarrabi Beltza.
Tasting notes: Nice crisp green fruits like a slightly sparkling viura/macabeu with some herbal qulities along with  lime and chalky flavors. It is light bodied with refreshing acidity yet nicely concentrated, kind of like a vino verde on steroids. An excellent seafood wine.

Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Rose 2011 (more info) is made of 50% Hondarrabi Zuri and 50% Hondarrabi Beltza like the white with some red fruit overtones and a little less acidity.  It has a beautiful salmon color and is balanced and fresh, great for seafood and cold salads. very limited production.