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
A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.
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The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Txakoli.
The Riesling glass is perfect for any 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
Mató is a fresh cheese from Catalonia in Spain. It has mild, slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture, and is especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
A tangy Goat Cheese (Chèvre, Feta) will also complement the subtle fruit notes in a Txakoli.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Txakoli.
A creamy Serra da Estrela will provide a refreshing contrast, making Txakoli an excellent pairing choice.
The creamy and tangy characteristics of a Neufchatel pair well with wines like Txakoli, balance its richness and enhance its flavors.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
A young aged Manchego can add a complementary tang to a Txakoli.
A nutty and sweet Gruyère can also enhance the delicate quality of a Txakoli.
Fondue cheeses are rich, creamy, and often salty. They call for a wine that can cut through the fat, refresh the palate, and balance the dish's intensity.
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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 |