If you need to stump somebody in a game of "Trivial Pursuit," this is the wine to know. It is from Spain's smallest authorized viticultural region, Txacoli de Guetaria, which consists of 125 acres. It is a white wine made from only 85% white grapes, the Hondarribi Zuri, with the balance from a red wine grape, Hondarribi Beltza. Don't call my office asking for the correct pronunciation. The vineyard, which is 10 kilometers from San Sebastian and planted on chalky soils, is considered the greatest white wine vineyard of the Basque region. The wines complement grilled seafood and the famous Basque anchovies. The 1994 is an intriguing (in a positive sense) wine, with exceptional ripeness and purity of fruit, a forceful, pungent, spicy, fruity nose, surprisingly high acidity (which is why it works so well with fish), and a medium-bodied, vibrant, crisp, clean finish. There is good weight, but the emphasis is on its gorgeous fruit and crisp acidity. It should last for 1-2 years.
Importer: Fine Estates From Spain, Jorge Ordonez, West Roxbury, MA; tel. (617) 327-1613