Txakoli, known in Spain as Hondarrabi Beltza, is a grape variety whose history is far richer and more complex than its current popularity suggests. While this name today primarily evokes the sparkling, slightly crisp wines of the Spanish Basque Country, its origins lead us much further afield, reaching the French Pyrenees and even the heart of the Bordeaux region. Indeed, it was identified in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and, more surprisingly, under the name "Burdigala" in Bordeaux during the 1950s. This discovery, stemming from prospecting surveys at the time, underscores this grape variety's deep connection to our region.

Txakoli is also the remarkable vine that stands proudly in Place de la Victoire in Bordeaux, a silent witness to a far more diverse viticultural past. For a long time, the history of Bordeaux grape varieties was oversimplified, confined to the few dominant varieties of today. Yet, as Jean-Baptiste Duquesne reveals in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", our region boasted no fewer than 48 grape varieties in the 19th century. Most have since been forgotten, victims of standardisation and viticultural crises. Txakoli, with its multiple identities and resilience, perfectly embodies this lost richness. This work of remembrance and revival is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many enthusiasts who share our passion for viticultural biodiversity. That is why we have undertaken to replant in Bordeaux these varieties that shaped its history, in order to rediscover flavours and aromas forgotten for over a century. Txakoli is one of these treasures we are striving to reawaken and bring back to life on our terroirs. Do not hesitate to discover our work on the lost grape varieties of Bordeaux and support our approach as winegrowers replanting forgotten varieties.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Name(s)	Txakoli, Hondarrabi Zuri (white), Hondarrabi Beltza (black), Burdi Burdin (Northern Basque Country)
Budburst	Early
Vigour	High
Growth habit	Horizontal or semi-erect
Ripening	Early to mid-season
Downy mildew susceptibility	Moderate
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Moderate
Botrytis susceptibility	High, due to compact bunches
Aromatic profile	Vegetal, citrus, green fruit, saline, and effervescent notes.
Winemaking potential	Dry, sparkling, light white wines with marked acidity and low alcohol content. For the red version (Hondarrabi Beltza), lightly coloured, fruity wines.

A grape variety with a little-known Bordeaux history

The history of Txakoli, or Hondarrabi Beltza, is deeply intertwined with that of the South-West vineyard. Its proven presence in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and in Bordeaux under the local name "Burdigala" in the 1950s, as mentioned by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, reaffirms the incredible diversity of Bordeaux grape varieties prior to gradual standardisation. Practices such as massal selection, now returning to favour, made it possible to preserve specimens of this type of variety, even though many were lost to successive vineyard crises, such as phylloxera and the 1956 frost. The choices made at the time of the creation of the AOCs in 1935 also contributed to the disappearance of numerous varieties, consigning grapes like Txakoli to oblivion in favour of more commercialised varieties. Today, it is recognised for its ability to produce taut, refreshing wines characteristic of its native terroir.

At Château Cazebonne, we are driven by the conviction that the taste of wine is intrinsically linked to grape variety diversity. That is why we have undertaken to replant in Bordeaux these varieties that forged its history, in order to rediscover flavours and aromas forgotten for over a century. Txakoli is one of these treasures that we strive to reawaken and bring to life within our terroirs. This work of remembrance and revival is made possible thanks to the steadfast support of the many enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our passion for viticultural diversity. We invite you to discover our cuvées crafted from these rare and historic grape varieties in the Cazebonne shop. To deepen your knowledge of the history of Bordeaux grape varieties, you can also receive the digital edition of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", published by Éditions BBD by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, upon signing up. And why not test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes, exploring the wealth of grape varieties and the distinctive features of the Bordeaux terroir?