Txakoli (Chakolí in Castilian) — the slightly sparkling, high-acid, low-alcohol white wine of the Basque Country — is the inseparable companion of pintxos. Its specific character (poured from a height to maximise its natural CO₂ fizz, drunk immediately) provides the acid and the refreshment that allows the sequential eating of multiple intensely flavoured pintxos without flavour fatigue.
- **The pour:** Txakoli is poured from as high as the bartender can raise the bottle — the fall aerates the wine and activates the natural slight carbonation from the secondary fermentation. - **The drinking:** Immediately — the fizz is transient. Txakoli that sits for 5 minutes after pouring has lost its defining effervescence. - **The acidity:** Very high acid, very low sugar — it cleans the palate of anchovy oil, fat, and salt between pintxos. - **The alcohol:** Low (9.5–11% ABV) — facilitating the extended pintxos session without impairment.
Pintxos