Txakolinas: Rare Basque wines

A “bracing, refreshing, often fizzy white wine,” Txakolina is served at every bar and restaurant in Spain’s Basque country, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. Leave there, and about the only other place you can buy this “tongue-twisting” wine (pronounced chock-oh-LEE-nah) is in the United States. The wines are best when “young and fresh,” so stick to 2009 unless you’re experimenting.

2009 Talai Berri Getariako­ Txakolina ($21)

Made from the Getariako grape, this “fresh and fizzy” wine ­lingers on the tongue.

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2009 Txomin Etxaniz Getariako Txakolina ($24)

This crisp, refreshing wine has “a slightly chalky mineral and lemon flavor.”

2009 Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina ($20)

Most Basque producers opt for whites, but some make rosés like this “gorgeously zingy” wine.