Txakolina from the northern Basque region of north Spain have been a staple house drink during summer. Light, usually low in alcohol and with plenty of citrus flavor, these are refreshing and are tailor-made for the hot weather … and an easy drink-of-choice during the past hot and humid July.
2009 Ameztoi Txakolina, Getaria Espana
Plenty of citrus with minerals on the nose. Greyish in color. Dry but zippy, very high acidity, showed a lot of effervescence especially when poured a-la-Basque-way, i.e. at least a couple of feet distance between glass and bottle (I tried this, but didn’t have the guts to do a full arm-span pour that barkeeps in Basque Spain normally). 10.5% abv, very lemony, but lean fruit still comes across. With the high acidity, not an easy drink on its own especially within the confines of an air-conditioned room, but my take on this is that this would be more pleasant when drunk cold by the porch on a hot summer day and/or to have with some seafood-based tapas. B
2009 Talai Berri, Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Less acidic than the Ameztoi and showed more lushness, but not over-the-top lush. Quite smooth, with some lime, seawater, ripe but subdued fruit, and a nice Asian (Filipino) food accompaniment. A very satisfying warm-weather refreshment and really enhanced some bold-flavored food. B+
2007 Valdarno Superiore Chianti, Tuscany
12.5 abv, oaky and vanilla smell, moderately high acidity, cherries, a bit of lean ripe fruit, just enough rusticity on the palate to make this wine quite interesting. Nothing too complex, but a decent drink-with-bread, or with light red-sauced pasta, and or any mid-week dinner-at-home wine. Well worth the $12.99 cost. B
