Who’s been to San Sebastián here? Most winos and foodies end up visiting is why we ask. And not come back with at least a few extra pounds on?

It’s impossible, in one of the gourmet capitals of the world. Basque Country here, the culture is potently rich in cuisine and culinary delights. Nowhere else around the globe would you see the bustle spilling into the streets way past midnight, locals and visitors alike munching on Pintxos, cute little tapas of heavenly delights, sipping this or any other Txakolí?! How about pink, out of magnum, with 40% OFF?

YEX PLEASE!!!

Is that pale salmon? Or is that an actual salmon jumping out of the glass? Cranberry, blood orange, rose petals, lychee, and a twist of Buddha’s Hand fill the air. Spritzy on the palate, clean, crisp, bone dry, with nectarine, chamomile, and crushed rocks. Tart yet utterly pleasing, with tantalizing persistence on a long finish that leaves one yearning. Perfect for washing down a variety of bites, be it savory, briny, salty, or spicy, you get the drift!

Even better, here’s an unconventional pairing idea that fits this eccentric juice, how about a fun game! After everybody in the room downs a couple of glasses, you take turns repeating this fast, ten times in a row: “Hondarribi Beltza Makes a Mean Getariako Txakolina!” The extent of fun you will have can only be measured by the Richter or Scoville scale.

Made with the Champagne Method naturally, at Ameztoi, the quintessential Cantabrian Seaview winery, if you are dreaming of going (back) there and kicking back, this will do nicely as it’s the next best thing… Geek facts continued, Hondarribi Beltza grows only in Getariako Txakolina, and yet it’s closest relative is Cabernet Franc, who would’ve thunk that now?

Don’t even try to look for a comparable Rosé Champagne, you’re not gonna find it, especially for under $40 a MAGNUM. When this pandemic is over, and you’re popping the coolest bubbly in town for friends and family without a worry about what it cost, toast our way too will ya!

91 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Light brilliant pink. Incisive, mineral-accented citrus fruit and red berry scents, along with a suave floral nuance. Silky and sharply focused on the palate, showing juicy strawberry, orange zest and mineral qualities and a deeper suggestion of peach pit. Packs a lot of flavor but comes off lithe. The mineral and floral elements carry through a very long, precise, seamless finish. Drink now.”