Basque Country, Spain
Mokoroa’s 2020 Txakoli – a more than worthy successor to their fine 2019 that we featured in these pages – is distinctive, crisp, and refreshing, and an outstanding value for its denominación. Situated just outside of San Sebastián on the Basque coast, Mokoroa’s seventeen acres of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza vines are planted in the famous Getariako Txakolina D.O. Mokoroa’s Txakoli from the immediately delicious 2020 vintage opens with a shimmering pale green-tinted lemon color in the bowl, segueing to aromas of lime juice, green plums, green apple skin, and saline minerals. Propelled by a lovely tickle of dissolved CO2, Mokoroa’s Txakoli invigorates the palate with riveting expressions of gooseberries, Key lime juice, crushed oyster shells, and salty sea spray. The wine finishes fresh, saline and, vigorous with layers of lime zest, gooseberry, juniper, and crystallized ginger. It will prove a superb choice for summertime refreshment or for partnering with artichokes, sautéed green leafy vegetables, grilled asparagus, fresh and steamed shellfish, light squid tapas, ceviches, and delicate poached white-fleshed fish dishes. Enjoy now and over the coming year.
An August 2021 newsletter selection