Proprietor: Talai Berri was officially founded in 1992 by Bixente Eizagirre, however winemaking goes back 4 generations in his family. Today Bixente owns 30 acres (12 Ha) of vineyards in the town of Zarautz.

Winemaker / Vineyard Manager: Bixente Eizagirre

Location: Located in Zone 3 in the north of Spain few miles west of San Sebastian, in the town of Zarautz – Basque Country at 338 ft altitude .

Wines Made: Oreka and others not currently imported by Ole.

Climate: Zone 3, Continental Atlantic climate with cold nights and high levels of rainfall. Temperatures between April and October average 60.4º F, and rainfall between the same period amounts to 26.5 inches. These levels of rainfall and temperatures are drastic and uncommon in Spain. Rainfall in this area is higher than Rias Baixas (Zone 1) and temperatures are similar to Zone 1 and 2. Due to these unique climatic conditions many varietals will not be able to adapt in this area, however by the same token the main Varietal (Hondarribi) does not grow anywhere else. The DO Chacolí de Guetaria located east of Chacolí de Bizkaia is lower in rainfall, altitude and slightly higher in temperatures, making fuller bodied white wines than in Bizkaiko.

Soils: Sandy soils on the surface and clay on its subsoil. Sandy soils provide good water drainage and retain solar heat, which offsets undesired humidity's, resulting in healthy levels of ripeness. Its clay subsoil acts as a sponge, keeping enough moisture to feed the root system. If it wasn't for the sandy soils of this vineyard, this grapes will not be able to ripen well.

What makes Oreka unique?

* Talai Berri is one of the leading producers of Txakoli wines, making microscopic production cuvees.

* state own vineyards and state bottled wines

* family run enterprise controlling 30 acres of vineyards.

* Oreka is fuller, richer and more structured than most Txakoli wines made here in Guetaria and Bizkaiko.

* Growing small amounts of Folle Blanche and Riesling grapes allows this producer achieve new flavors that are richer in complexity.

There are 544 acres of vineyard land in Chacolí de Guetaria.

Talai Berri vineyards with 7% steep slopes

Hondarribi (Zuri - white, in English) and beltza (red). These are the basic varieties in traditional Basque Chacolí (Txakoli in Basque). Hondarribi Zuri is slightly effervescent, low in alcohol and remarkably fresh. Txakoli is the choice wine for Oysters, sardines, anchovies, artichokes, garlic, crab, and grilled seafood.

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Name of Wine: Oreka Producer: Talai Berri DO: Chacolí de Guetaria (Zone # 3) Climate: Continental Atlantic Grape: 100% Hondarribi Zuri Soils: Sand on its surface and clay on its Subsoil with 7% slopes Production: 600 Cases made – 300 for the U.S. Wine Maker: Bixente Eizagirre Ageing: Stainless Steel.

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