2005 Arabako Txakolina Xarmant Txakoli

[dananne]

This Spanish white comes from a tiny D.O. called Arabako Txakolina, founded by a cooperative of 12 growers. Arabako Txakolina is the only producer that makes any real amount of wine, and it is located on the border of Castilla y Leon, near the Atlantic Ocean. The grapes used are the traditional Hondarribi Zurri variety that is indigenous to the Basque region, and it is blended with Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, and Petit Courbu. It is fermented in stainless steel, using only indiginous yeasts, and bottled with residual carbonic, giving it a faint natural spritz. Slightly green in color, but very pale. The nose gives off lime and some grassy aromas, and the flavors are very clean and subtle. This is a delicate wine, and one that is great on a hot summer evening (thankfully, Atlanta still has a few of those left to enjoy a wine like this). Good acidity, and finishes with some minerality and pear flavors. Very unique wine that I enjoyed very much, but Anne thought less of it. At any rate, 11.5% alc. We paid $11 locally, which IMHO is a steal. Would match summer salads or cold pasta salads wonderfully. Good picnic wine. FWIW, Tanzer gave it an 88.