Ulacia, Getariako Txakolina DO (Pays Basque, Spain) 2016

 Resolve to taste wines you have yet to experience like this cheerful, lightly sparking white made from the famous grape varieties from the Basque Country of north western Spain, Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza.  Don’t worry, you won’t have to pronounce the grape, just ask for Txakolina (“chock ah LEAN ah”).  It comes from the area near the fishing village of Getaria, perched on steep cliffs above the Bay of Biscay.  While the nearby city of San Sebastian is second only to Kyoto as the city with the most Michelin stars per square meter, Getaria may have the most restaurants grilling the freshest seafood on their outdoor grills.  And, of course, the best wine for this fresh bounty is Txakolina.  This one comes from the Ulacia family’s 19-acre estate, which has been in the family since the early 1940s.  It is a light, fizzy, lemony with mineral notes, crisp wine perfect for fresh grilled seafood.  In warmer weather it is perfect for sipping by the pool.  The locals recommend pouring the wine from high above the glass to release the bubbles and flavors.  Good luck with that.