2009 Xarmant Arabako Txakolina (Previously $15)

89 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Xarmant's 2009 Txakolina is made from 80% Hondarribi Zuri and 20% Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia fermented in stainless steel. From a vintage described by the importer as 'nervy, minerally', this light straw-colored wine gives up aromas of green apple, mineral, and citrus. Crisp on the palate with a good core of fruit, this balanced, lengthy effort will pair beautifully with raw bar over the next 12-18 months." (04/10) Arabako Txakolina is the youngest txakolina DO. Founded in 2003, it encompasses 60 hectares. There is only one producer today producing any real quantities. The winery whose name is the same as the denomination, Arabako Txakolina, was founded in 1989. Twelve growers decided to pool their resources and establish the denomination. They created a wine and named it Xarmant -which means charming in French (though it is spelled the Basque way) and reflects the nature is this wine. The grapes used are the traditional Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza varieties that are indigenous to the Basque region, as well as the less common local varieties of Izkiriota, Izkiriota Ttippia and Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and bottled with a small amount of residual carbonic. Only indigenous yeasts are used so that the grapes reflect the true qualities of the unique soil and site.