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 |
 Apple |
 Apple |
 Salt |
Txakoli Profile
Txakoli is very dry with a razor-sharp acidity:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Low |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 11-12% ABV |
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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 |
 Tapas |
 Chips |
 Tomato |
 Oysters |
 Shrimps |
 Seafood |
 Fish |
 Sushi |
 Egg |
 Chicken |
 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
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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 Txakoli. 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.
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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 Origen | In Spanish | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Txakoli de Álava | Chacolí de Álava | 1989 |
| Txakoli de Getaria | Chacolí de Guetaria | 1990 |
| Txakoli de Bizkaiko | Chacolí de Vizcaya | 1994 |