Hondarrabi Zuri

Hondarrabi Zuri is the white grape behind Txakoli (Txakolina), the bracingly crisp, faintly sparkling white wine of the Basque Country on Spain's cool, green Atlantic coast. Grown on high pergolas in a wet, windy maritime climate, it gives a very pale, high-acid, low-alcohol wine with green apple, lemon and lime, unripe pear and cut-grass notes and a saline, sea-spray tang, usually finished with a light natural spritz and traditionally poured from a height to coax out its fizz. Light, tart and refreshing, it is a classic partner for the anchovies, grilled fish, pintxos and salt cod of Basque cooking.