The red grape variety originates from Spain. The name derives from the town of Hondarribia in the north-east of the Spanish Basque Country (País Vasco), beltza = black. Synonyms are Chacolí, Courbu Noir Faux, Cruchen Nègre, Hondarrabi Beltza, Kurixketu Beltza, Negra, Ondarrabi Beltza, Ondarribi Beltza, Txakoli, Txakoli Noir, Verde Matza and Xerratu Beltza. It should not be confused with the Cabernet Franc or Courbu Noir varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. The Chacolí (Txakoli) variety, sometimes referred to as distinct, is identical.
According to Wine Grapes, Hondarribi Beltza is not a mutation of the white variety Hondarribi Zuri (which in turn is not an independent variety, but a synonym for several varieties). According to DNA analyses carried out in 2009, there is a parent-offspring relationship between Hondarribi Beltza and Cabernet Franc (end of quote). However, according to the VIVC catalogue, the parentage is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, a presumably natural cross between Hondarribi Beltza x unknown father variety resulted in the variety Gros Cabernet (end of citation).
The Hondarribi Beltza variety produces red and rosé wines that are rich in acid and alcohol and reminiscent of Cabernet Franc. It is cultivated in Spain on 15 hectares with a strong downward trend. There is a tiny stock of half a hectare in Chile. In 2016, a total of 15 hectares of vines were reported (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Image: Rezabal Vineyards
