Siesta or fiesta..?

Every Friday evening, the Spanish language students from Instituto Hemingway go out for pintxos – the Basque version of tapas. Generally, pintxos consist of a local delicacy, for example meat, cheese or fish, served on a small slice of bread. Pintxos are usually served on large plates along the bar so that people can serve themselves. They are usually very cheap.

The Basque country is also famous for its wine and there are many varieties of grape grown in the area. The most popular wine is Txakoli, a wine with a golden colour which is not very alcoholic but can sometimes be a bit rough on the palette.
Below is a summary of some of the grapes from this area you may wish to try:
Tempranillo
Considered native of this region. This grape is bold on the palate and makes for an interesting young wine. The wine becomes velvety as it ages.
Garnacha Tinta
In warmer climates this grape gives a wine with low acid and alcohol content which remains full-bodied. In cooler areas the result is interestingly well balanced.
Mazuelo
Produces wines rich in tannins, untamed on the palate.
Graciano
Produces a bright red must tending towards acidic, with a pleasant and unique bouquet. This grape is the most fragrant of all the Riojan varieties.
Viura
Results in pale, fruity wine which can be aged following the traditional process for Rioja white wine.
Malvasia
Gives the wine a characteristic fresh and fruity fragrance, especially in young wines and begins to take on a golden colour as it ages.
Garnacha Blanca
White Garnacha whose must has high alcohol content. It gives a pleasant result when grown in cool areas with just enough acidity.