W3 Wine School

Txakoli / Chacolí (Spain)

Txakoli is a very dry, slightly fizzy, white wine from Spain's Basque Country.

It tastes like a saltier version of Portuguese Vinho Verde.

Txakoli Flavors

Citrus and Apple are typical Txakoli flavors.

With "Chalky" and "Salty" Minerals.

Lemon
Lemon
Apple
Apple
Apple
Apple
Salt
Salt

Txakoli Profile

Txakoli is very dry with a razor-sharp acidity:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:11-12% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)
Grand Cru 10-12°C (50-54°F)

Txakoli Food Pairing

Txakoli pairs best with Seafood, Fried Fish, and Fried Chicken.

It is also a good, low alcohol, summer sipper.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Tapas
Tapas
Chips
Chips
Tomato
Tomato
Oysters
Oysters
Shrimps
Shrimps
Crab
Seafood
Fish
Fish
Sushi
Sushi
Egg
Egg
Chicken
Chicken
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent Pairings

Tomato. Salads. Summer food.
Raw Fish. Oysters. Sushi.
Clams. Shrips. Prawns (with Garlic).
Plain Fish. Sea Bass.
Fried Fish. Fish and Chips.
Finger Food. Tapas.
Fried Chicken.

Spanish Specialities:

Snails or Prawns with Garlic.
Burned Goat Cheese.

The Ideal Glass for Txakoli

A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.

The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings.

The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde.

Txakoli Cheese Pairing

Txakoli is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.

You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Txakoli.

Soft Cheeses

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Txakoli.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Txakoli

You Will Also Like:

Arinto (Portugal)
Bourgogne Blanc (France)
Burgundy White (France)
Chablis (France)
Chardonnay (Unoaked)
Muscadet (France)
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Picapoll (Spain)
Piquepoul (France)
Txakoli (Spain)
Vinho Verde (Portugal)

About

Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol, from the provinces of the Basque Country, Cantabria and northern Burgos.

Before 1989, Txakoli was a home-made wine, drunk in the Basque Country. In 1989, some varieties of Txakoli achieve DO (Denominación de Origen) certification:

Denominación de OrigenIn SpanishYear
Txakoli de ÁlavaChacolí de Álava1989
Txakoli de GetariaChacolí de Guetaria1990
Txakoli de BizkaikoChacolí de Vizcaya1994


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