El Pais Vasco (officially La Comunidad Autonoma del País Vasco) is a fiercely independent region on the northern coast of Spain, near the Pyrenees and the border with France. In Basque, the region is called Euskadi, but to most English speakers it is referred to as the Basque Country.
The Cantabrian Mountains form its western boundary, while the famous wine region of La RiojaLies to the South. Despite this, the region is not Particularly well known for its wine, although a group of determined producers have Long fought for recognition.
In fact, it is the historic port city of Bilbao (home to the Guggenheim Museum) and the beautiful seaside resort of San Sebastian that attract visitors to the region.
Pais Vasco wine is synonymous with Txakoli (pronounced "Chac-o-lee"), a style of wine that is an integral part of the region's wine culture and traditions. This wine is direct and simple. It has a refreshing style with fruit-dominated characters, and can have a Slight fizz and high Acidity.
Our feet crunched through layers of dry oak leaves as we climbed a pebbly path towards the vineyards behind the farmhouse. Roots go deep here. Not just the tall oaks and squat vines, but families too. I walked the vineyards at Mas de Libian with Hélène Thibon, but it was her father Jean-Pierre that greeted me when I arrived. Hélène’s sister Catherine was out front with Bambi the horse, ploughing the sandier plots. Later, we tasted in the winery with Hélène’s son Aurélien. Three generations of a ...
Inflation and higher costs have led to questions in the UK and US in recent weeks about how much the trade can absorb before wine prices increase. Despite a recent freeze on duty tax, the UK Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has said it is concerned wine prices may rise in 2022 due to myriad factors, including higher costs, inflation and supply chain issues. The trade body sent a letter to government signed by 49 UK wine and spirits businesses last month, warning that ‘rising cost ...
This 17 April marks the 12th anniversary of Malbec World Day, a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina to celebrate the success of Argentina’s wine industry. Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec with more than 44,000 hectares planted across the country. Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, has become synonymous with Malbec and leads local production with 37,754 hectares cultivated (85% of the total vineyards). Now the 12th edition, Malbec World Day cele ...
