Txakoli de Álava, Basque, Spain
Arabako DO
Juanjo Tellaetxe is a priest and shepherd in the Alava region of Spain who set about to replant his parent's vineyards and create his own cellar. Organic farming and natural winemaking are central to the winery's philosophy and the results are compelling and honest wines with deep, local character.
Hondarribi Zuri, a native local varietal, is the star of the show here in a region where the grape is often haphazardly fashioned into something cheap that's more show than substance - barely anything more than something to pour from a height into a tumbler or glass. This Txakolina is something totally different though. A real thrill and a delight that checks every box. Crisp but rich and round, generous acidity balanced by texture and volume, crystal clear but bursting with gorgeous aromatics. Minerality, fresh herbs, honey blossom, delicate pineapple, green apples and slightly underripe pear with an unctuous, oily mouthfeel that makes you think of the best Rieslings and Loire Chenin Blancs. Exciting and racy, this is what we love about discovering the gems of Spain's smaller and lesser known regions.
This is as classic an aperitif as you get in Spain with just the right amount of intensity and acidity to open the palate ahead of a beautiful dinner. It's also perfect with white fish, grilled seafood and simple vegetable preparations or alongside our fave pairing, fried chicken.