Wine Club: País Vasco

Situated partially in northern Spain and partially in southwestern France, the Basque country has some of the most unique and delicious culinary offerings in the world. It is a place of incredibly beautiful rolling hills, long history, and distinct culture. But did you know it also has a wine style all its own?

Txakolina is a delight, especially this time of year. It’s refreshing, crisp, very slightly effervescent, and comes as either a white, rosé, light red or dessert wine. Always made from the native Hondarrabi grape family - Beltza is the red variety, and Zuri the white. In San Sebastian this is the house wine by the glass poured in all bars and restaurants. We highly recommend visiting La Cucharra de San Telmo and Bar Martinez in old town and for a more formal dining experience with one of the most eleborate wine list in Spain, Rekondo Restaurant is a must visit.

This month, we chose two classic examples of the style: one white, one rosé. The white, from Basa Lore, is 100% Hondarrabi Zuri. It has crunchy minerals, green apple tartness, and a flash of acidity that will have you clearing a plate of soft cheeses, dried fruits, spiced nuts and crackers in no time!

The rosé is a blend of the two Hondarrabis, Beltza and Zuri. It has elegant notes of wild strawberry, a touch of spice, and as any good Txakoli should, a jolt of acid that makes your mouth water. Serve nice and chilled and sip on it outside with some olives, soft cheese, and conservas.

This month, we continue to get a little closer to normal by offering Wine Club pick up at your convenience. No need to wait for an email or schedule an appointment. If you’d like to visit us at the shop, please keep in mind that we are capping the number of customers at one time to two. If you arrive and we are at capacity, please wait until we have space. We appreciate your patience!

We will also continue offering curbside pick up and delivery. Delivery is complimentary, though we ask for a minimum order of $70. To set up either pick up or delivery, give us a call at 202-525-5702, send us an email with either “pick up” or “delivery” in the subject, or place your order through our revamped online shop.