Spring is the time to change, to branch out, to try new things.
So, I am pleased to announce the best spring wine you’ve never heard of… Txakolina! OK, I’m sure some of you have tried this varietal, but it seems to be suddenly available around Jackson and is definitely worth tasting.
Txakolina is a crisp, refreshing wine from the Basque region of Spain. Before we go any further, it’s pronounced chaco-lee-na, like those sandals we all want to be wearing right now. Most labels also list the growing regions of Bizkaiko, Getariako, or Arabako.
It is simple, low alcohol, and often frizzante style. Although occasionally made into red wine, more commonly Txakolina is white or rosé. Most of the white wine is consumed in the Basque region, while most of the rosé is imported to the United States.
In Spain, the wine is often poured into flat bottom tumblers from the bottle held above head high. The wine arcs into the glass, creating jubilant bubbles. I experimented trying to pour this way. The verdict: only about one-third got in my glass.
I contemplated using a pour spout, but research showed this was only for the weak (or American). I’ll leave it to the professionals.
Both styles of wine are light acidic and refreshing. They have a slight salinity to them that reminds me of the ocean breezes near their vineyards. The white often has hints of citrusy limes and lemon, while the rosé carries notes of fresh strawberries.
I definitely recommend seafood with this, maybe clams or oysters. I have to admit that I only recently discovered this wine, so I haven’t researched every restaurant’s wine list. Snake River Grill had it available by both the glass and bottle on its most recent list. We sell Zudugarai Getariako Txakolina by the bottle at Bin22.
Find that perfect Jackson deck: out of the wind, but in the sun. Pop open a bottle and try a taste of summer. You can even wear your Chacos.
