Greenville Magazine - July 2008 - (Page 53)

Txakoli TheOther White Wine BY JOHN MITCHELL I n the world of wine there are many varietals but few are as obscure, interesting and versatile as Txakoli, one of the world’s best kept wine secrets. In northern Spain’s Basque country, fishing is prominent, life is great and the smallest and one of the most interesting wine regions hides out. Txakoli, while famous for its separatists, also has more Michelin star rated restaurants than any other region in the world. Here on the hilly slopes of the town, the grape varietals Hondarribi Zuri are cultivated. All the elements are against it – Atlantic winds, salty sea air and chilly temperatures, yet somehow this grape still manages to do well. For the first time since the nineteenth century, this wine has started to create a presence again in places like New York City and as well as here in Greenville, S.C. This incredible wine is very diverse. With fresh citrus and floral notes, it works as an aperitif or a pairing for many foods. Its very high acidity accounts for its slight sparkle and low alcohol. It is also considered one of the best seafood wines in the world. The Basque usually drink it in small glasses, as opposed to wine glasses, and serve it with Spanish tapas. The wine is customarily poured in ceremonious fashion with an unusual bladder-shaped blown glass bottle called a perrone held high above the glass, causing something of a waterfall of wine. This fancy effect is said to make the flavors of the wine burst out instantaneously. Very little of this wine is exported to the U.S., but when found, I assure you that one glass may change your perspective on the way you view white wine. You can find this wine at a few of the restaurants downtown, including The Lazy Goat and Restaurant O. After you take a stab at Txakoli, keep drinking good wine and exploring the idea of stepping out of the box. You never know, a new pick may end up becoming your favorite wine. European and American Antiques, Gifts, Home Accessories Designer Women’s Apparel, Jewelry, Handbags and Scarves Jan Barboglio, Juliska, Match, Barefoot Dreams Featured Gifts: 465 Main St. Highlands, NC Ph. 828.787.1877 www.acornsonline.com Open year-round Monday – Saturday and Sundays in season John Mitchell takes wine to the people every day as wine director of Restaurant O as a Certified Sommelier Court of Master Sommeliers. JULY 2008 | GreenviLLe MaGazine 53 http://www.acornsonline.com http://www.acornsonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Greenville Magazine - July 2008

Greenville Magazine - July 2008 Contents Editor's Letter My Greenville Alone At Last Watercooler Romance Greenwood Tourist in Your Own Town One-Tank Trips In The Lead Keeping Students In-State After Hours From the Pros A Look Back Walk this Way If These Walls Could Talk Viewpoints Attorneys The Bulletin Around Town Parting Words

Greenville Magazine - July 2008

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