San Sebastián, The Home of Txakoli & Patxaran

30 Jun

bottle of txakoli and patxaran with san Sebastian

San Sebastian is another one of our favourite gastronomic destinations. Nestled on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s Basque Country, the city is celebrated worldwide for its Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant pintxos bars.

Txakoli Rezabal glass of wine and bottle — Image courtesy of Rezabal Txakoli

For me it is two very distinct & quite unique ‘bebidas’ that I look forward to on my visits, Txakoli wine and Patxaran liqueur.

Txakoli is part of the city’s social fabric. Whether enjoyed in a bustling pintxos bar in the Old Town or at a seaside restaurant overlooking La Concha Bay, it is the perfect accompaniment to seafood, anchovies, grilled fish and the flavours that define Basque cuisine.

Firstly, do not be deterred by the pronunciation, it is simply ‘cha-ko-lee’. It is a lightly effervescent white wine made in the mountainous hills surrounding San Sebastian and is known for its zesty acidity & slightly lower alcohol levels.

Map of Basque Country — Image courtesy of **Go Local San Sebastian**

Made traditionally from native grapes, principally Hondurrabi Zuri, the palate is bone-dry with a bracing acidity, subtle minerality and snappy citrus and green apple flavours.There’s also a red variety called Hondurrabi Beltza which is used to make Txakoli rosé.

There are three Txacoli DO’s, the principal one being Getariako Txakolina. This lies just west of San Sebastián, & the wine reflects the unique maritime environment of the region. Vineyards cling to steep slopes overlooking the Bay of Biscay, where cool Atlantic breezes, abundant rainfall and mineral-rich soils shape the character of the grapes.

Txakoli is typically served ice cold & using a method called “txotx” or “breaking,” where the wine is poured from a height of several feet into a tumbler, which is believed to help open up the wine and bring out its aromatics.

At the opposite end of the drinks spectrum we have Patxaran which provides a distinctly different experience. This ruby-red liqueur is made by steeping wild sloe berries in anise-flavoured spirit, creating a drink that is both fruity and aromatic. Patxaran is a cherished digestif throughout the Basque Country and a familiar sight in San Sebastián’s bars and restaurants.

Side image of Zoco Patxaran Spanish Liqueur — Image courtesy of Zoco

Served chilled after a meal, Patxaran offers notes of cherry, plum, and gentle spice. It is traditionally enjoyed as a way to conclude long, leisurely gatherings around the dining table which is a cornerstone of Basque social life. The liqueur pairs beautifully with local desserts such as Basque cheesecake, whose creamy texture contrasts with Patxaran’s bright fruit character. It also complements the local Idiazabal, a lightly smoked sheep’s milk cheese

Together, Txakoli and Patxaran represent two very different sides of Basque drinking culture. One celebrates the freshness of the Atlantic coast and the vineyards that overlook it, the other reflects centuries-old traditions of foraging and conviviality. Both are inseparable from the food that has made San Sebastián a global gastronomic destination. Other drinks are of course available. Local vermuts & red wines from Rioja & Navarra are never in short supply & should certainly not be overlooked!!

Zoe

Discover Txakoli & Patxaran in our Restaurants

Side image of three pintxos and bottle of txakoli with glass of wine — Pintxos and Txakoli

We’re excited to bring a taste of San Sebastian to our restaurants this month!

Both Txakoli & Zoco Patxaran are specials in our restaurant throughout July. Enjoy Txakoli with our Pintxos Specials as an appetiser and finish your meal with our Burnt Basque Cheesecake & Zoco Patxaran. The perfect Pairings.

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