From the Basque region of Spain, the 2012 Berroia Txacoli is a blend of 85% Hondarribi Zuri, 10% Riesling and 5% Folle Blanche. It exhibits attractive saline qualities, less CO2 than is usual for wines from this appellation, and a refreshing, French Muscadet-like style displaying hints of grapefruit and other assorted citrus, including a slight touch of orange rind. The Riesling component in the blend gives the wine more uplifted aromatics than usual. Its crisp acidity makes this an ideal white to match up with seafood. Long time readers of The Wine Advocate are familiar with the selections of Patrick Mata, one of the most driven, passionate and talented young men in the wine world. These are his newest releases, which should be in the marketplace this fall. He continues to expand his business and as the notes that follow indicate, he has now added a burgeoning selection of high quality, distinctive wines from Portugal. His portfolio actually includes three import companies, Ole, Peninsula and Obrigado. For more information on Patrick Mata, see Issue #202 (8-31-12). Importers: Ole Imports ;56 Harrison St. #405, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; fax (413) 254-8923

A blend of the indigenous Basque varietal Hondarribi Zuri (90%) and the more commonly known grapes of Folle Blanche (6%) and Riesling (4%), this stainless steel fermented and aged white wine reveals lots of salinity (due to the vineyard’s proximity to the Bay of Biscayne) along with fresh pear, lemon rind and assorted citrus notes. Light to medium-bodied and crisply styled (this wine like most Txakolinas has some CO2), it is a distinctive wine to enjoy over the next 12 months. Importer: Ole and Peninsula Wines (Patrick Mata),New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; Fax (413) 254-8923; www.oleimports.com

Bodegas Berroja’s pale straw-colored 2010 Berroia is a blend of 85% Hondarribi Zuri with the balance Riesling and Folle Blanche. This enticing effort receives a nice aromatic lift from its Riesling component along with floral, mineral, green apple, and saline notes. Crisp, savory, and well-balanced, this value priced effort is meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months. Importer: Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com

Bodegas Berroja’s 2009 Berroia is composed of 90% Hondarribi Zuri (indigenous to Txakoli) with the balance Folle Blanche and Riesling. The 2009 vintage was near ideal in the region and the wine displays a lovely perfume of mineral, sea salt, lime, and spring flowers. Crisp, vibrant, and focused, it has excellent length and a refreshing finish. Drink it over the next 12-18 months. Importer: Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com