Txakoli Malda, Getariako Txakolina (Pays Basque, Spain) 2019

 Fresh renditions of well-made Txakoli (say, “chah-kuh-lee”) is undoubtedly among the handful of most refreshing wines in the world—if not the single most refreshing, even surpassing Portugal’s Vinho Verde.  Both are picked early to retain acidity and keep alcohol down, and are also bottled early with some residual carbon dioxide from the natural fermentation process, adding just a bit of spritz that provides even more “lift” and refreshment value.  This is a particularly successful example of the breed, with wonderful aromas and flavors recalling squeezed lime juice and tart green apple.  If you love acidic wines, this is the ticket, and if you love unadorned, freshly shucked oysters, this is the ticket to heaven.