Chaaa-kooo-leee

If you’ve never heard of Txakoli, you’re missing out. It’s a Basque wine that’s a pretty big deal in places like San Sebastián, Spain, where you’ll find bartenders pouring from Txakoli bottles high above their heads, filling glasses for people enjoying some delicious pintxos.
(Pintxos are like tapas.)

So what is Txakoli?
(Say: “chaa-koo-lee”)

Typically Txakoli is a white wine, though you’ll also find rosés and reds.
It’s slightly sparkling, high in acid, low in alcohol, really refreshing, dry, and best drunk young. It's from a grape you may never have heard of that’s native to Basque Country, Spain: Hondarrabi Zuri.

Txakoli also goes by Txakolina or Chacolí.
Any of those will do the trick.

I love Txakoli on its own or with appetizers, seafood, charcuterie, and cheese. Pack it with some sandwiches for a picnic. Bring it to the pool or beach. It’s great on a hot summer day. Or any other time you need a refreshing white wine with some kick.

The high pour -the bartenders do in Spain- brings out the bubbles in the glass. I haven’t quite mastered this yet, without making a mess.

I’ve tried a ton of Txakolinas, and this is my favorite so far. My local wine shop recommended it, and you can find it online for as low as $13.95. In fact, I just bought another case.