The Txakoli vineyards of Spain's Pais Vasco region cover much of the landscape between San Sebastian and Bilbao, their verdant rows of grapevine sloping towards the Cantabrian Sea below. Served as a refreshing quaff in the tapas bars found in food-centric cities like San Sebastian, a good Txakoli boasts lip-smacking acidity and green fruit appeal that works well with the numerous pintxos (Basque snacks similar to tapas) you're likely to find. This snappy white is traditionally served ice-cold, poured bottle to glass from as high aloft as possible without spilling a drop, then paired with tuna salad, fritto misto, sautéed calamari, green salads, ham croquettes, or shrimp cocktails.
JGS