From: Getariako Txakolina DO, Spain
Blend: Hondarribi Zuri and a little Chardonnay
Taste: A blend of predominantly Hondarrabi Zuri and a subtle infusion of Chardonnay, this Txakoli wine boasts high acidity, salinity, and an intriguing minerality that gives it its refreshingly clean taste. White peach, green apple, citrus and white flowers lead to the fresh, tangy essence of the Basque coast - slightly chalky, suffused with hints of citrus, reminiscent of the ocean breeze that caresses its vines.
Pairing: Txakoli is a versatile companion to a diverse range of gastronomic experiences. With its bright, slightly fizzy profile, it pairs perfectly with seafood, cured meats, and hard cheeses, such as the Basque sheep's milk cheese Idiazabal. This wine is also an excellent match for fried snacks and tapas (check out the recipe below), making it an ideal choice for casual socializing and feasting. Whether paired with delectable pintxos or enjoyed alone, it is an authentic taste of the Basque region's vineyards and a delightful introduction to the world of Txakoli.
Tuna-Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
By David Tanis
About. In the heart of the Basque Country, Spain, where verdant rolling hills dip down into the turquoise Cantabrian Sea, nestles the Mokoroa Txakoli winery. It is a stalwart in the Getariako Txakolina Denomination of Origin, a designation bestowed upon only three Basque regions, with the other two being Araba and Bizkaia. In Zarautz, adjacent to Getaria, where Getariako Txakolina earns its name, Mokoroa txakoli winery finds its home, steeped in a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and familial dedication.
Founded in 2008 by Jose Antonio Mokoroa, the winery is an epitome of family enterprise. At present, the entire Mokoroa clan works diligently year-round, devoted to the annual harvest and the crafting of exquisite Txakoli wine. Their labor of love is spread across 6 hectares of vineyards, all trellised and sloping towards the sea, capturing an invigorating mixture of sunlight and sea breeze.
Txakoli: A Basque Gem
When it comes to the unique and enchanting world of Spanish wines, Txakoli stands out as an effervescent treasure. This slightly fizzy wine, traditionally made and consumed at home, is slowly making its way into international wine lists. Despite its tongue-twisting name and humble origins, Txakoli's popularity is steadily increasing, especially in the United States, where it is often found in Spanish and Mediterranean restaurants and specialty wine shops.
Txakoli, pronounced "chock-oh-lee", shines as a white wine primarily made from Hondarrabi Zuri grapes. Yet, there are also variants that include Hondarrabi Beltza grapes, crafting rosé and red Txakoli. However, the predominant face of Txakoli remains its white variant, and this is where Mokoroa showcases its prowess.
Crafting the 2022 Mokoroa Txakoli White Wine
In Mokoroa's vineyards, the local Hondarrabi Zuri variety reigns supreme, with a select percentage of Chardonnay also cultivated. Both varieties are harvested at the peak of their ripening stages, ensuring the highest quality grapes for crafting their distinctive Txakoli.
Overlooking the Cantabrian sea, Mokoroa's vines drink in the sea breeze, naturally preventing mildew and disease in the region's humid climate. Vines are grown on terraces, and their grapes benefit from the perfect combination of sunshine and salinity, enhancing their unique mineral profiles. The vineyards' vigorous foliage is meticulously managed, enabling the grapes to be exposed to the beneficial sea breeze.
