The 2013 Xarmant is produced from purchased grapes and it's a blend of approximately 70% Hondarrabi Zuri complemented with Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng. It has a citric nose with notes of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and a sharp palate, with good acidity, lacking a bit in the mid-palate, but still very pleasant and fresh, slightly rustic with some vegetal personality developing with time. In a way it reminds me of the Txakolis from the past. A wine of strong personality. Drink now. Even though Arabako Txakolina is the actual name of the appellation of the Txakoli produced in the Alava (Araba in Basque language) province, somehow this winery managed to share the name. They were the first in the appellation and the Xarmant brand is one of the best known wines from the region. Importer: De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; tel. (919) 933-4245; www.demaisonselections.com

The 2010 Xarmant Txakolina displays aromas of citrus, mineral, floral notes, and saline. Crisp, vibrant, concentrated, and nicely proportioned, this lengthy effort is a good value meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months. Importer: Andre Tamers, De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; www.demaisonselections.com

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. Importer: Andre Tamers, De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; www.demaisonselections.com