Hileko Hitza: Txakoli

February’s word of the month is….

Txakoli(n.)

a slightly sparkling, dry white wine produced in some regions of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa especially famous in Getaria, Gipuzkoa.

Submitted by a student

I learned this word while visiting a vineyard and winery in Gipuzkoa. Gipuzkoan bisitatu nuen mahastia.

It is normally served as an aperitif and drunk within one year of bottling as it cannot be stored for longer. The most common, white, variety has a pale green color, but there are red and rosé varieties. When served, it is normally poured into tall glasses from a height, often as an accompaniment to pintxos. It typically has between 9.5 and 11.5 ABV.

The 18th century Palace of Mendibile in Leioa near Bilbao today houses a museum dedicated to txakoli, the Museo del Txakoli, explaining the history of txakoli and with a large collection of machinery used for making it.

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