It is used to make the most lucrative white wine known as Txakoli in the Alava, Getaria and Bizkaia regions of the northern Spain.

The white grape variety is named after a town, namely Hondarribia in the region. While, the word “Zuri” stands for “white” in the native language of Basque country.

The red counterpart of Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Beltza which is a red wine grape variety also got its name from the same region of the Basque Country.

Though sharing a close resemblance in the name, the two wines, one of which is white and the other is red, are not remotely connected to each other.

Associated Dos with Hondarrabi Zuri

Txakoli de Getaria DO, Txakoli de Bizkaia DO and Txakoli de Alava DO. Hondarrabi Zuri is not only used to make excellent and distinct white wines, but also it is used to make amazing blends.

This white wine grape variety is blended with many minor varieties hailing from Basque Country including the likes of Folle Blanche, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Blanc.

The varietal wine made by Hondarrabi Zuri, i.e. Txakoli is quite popular across the word, but the grape variety Hondarrabi Zuri is not popular independently. It is not found on commercial level.

History and Origin of Hondarrabi Zuri grapes

The origin of Hondarrabi Zuri is still a topic of mystery. Some people believe that this white wine variety comes from The Basque Country but, not everyone is in complete agreement with this theory.

Some people believe that Hondarrabi Zuri is a native to France. The theory says that Hondarrabi Zuri is the name that is given to three different grape varieties hailing from the southwestern France.

These grape varieties are planted near Bilbao, near the countryside, including a hybrid variety naming Noah, and the other two are Courbu Blanc and Crouchen.

Though the origin of this white wine grape variety is still not clear, but the idea of the wine being a native of Basque Country of Spain is highly accepted.

Viniculture of Hondarrabi Zuri

The vines of Hondarrabi Zuri stand out among the other vines from Spain. The grape is quite distinct in its behaviors as compared to the other grapes that grow in Spain.

Due to the Atlantic Ocean, the vines get a moist and cooling influence. This one factor creates a big challenge for the growers of this vine. The landscape and other related factors give this wine its taut minerality.

Talking about the vines, bunches are really small. The berries grow compact. They are mall in size, round in shape and are of golden colour.

Synonyms of Hondarrabi Zuri

Hondarrabi Zuri is also known by other names like Ondarrini Zuri and Hondarrini Zuri.

Characters of Hondarrabi Zuri Wines

Hondarrabi Zuri is a dominant white wine grape variety of the Basque Country of Spain. This white grape is responsible for making little spritzy and popular Txakoli wines.

Txakoli wines are known for their statement citrus flavours. The wines are light and have a mineral texture. The wine also carries herbal hints.

The golden berries lend a nice pale yellow colour to the wine. The wines are adorned with a mesmerizing concoction of aromas of citrus fruits, ripe fruits, flowers and well as herbs.

Going into more details, the wine bears a peachy and a citrus smell. The wines are medium bodied and contain high amount of acid.

On the tongue, there is blast flavours of lime and white peach. The aroma and the taste of this wine make it one of the most sought after white wine.

Food Pairings with Hondarrabi Zuri

Hondarrabi Zuri has distinct characters. It is acidic in nature and hence, complements many foods. It is taken with foods like pintxos.

Pintxos are little tapas- like snacks that are native of northern Spain and typically of Basque Country as well as Navarre. The wine native to Spain tastes heavenly with this bar snack native to Spain.

Apart from pintxos can also be paired with marinated white anchovies (boquerones). The pairing intensifies the character of both the food as well as the wine.

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Wines with Hondarrabi Zuri grapes