HAVE you ever been to a txoko? No, neither had I until a couple of weeks ago. In fact I had no idea what a txoko was; I thought someone had made a typographical error when I received an email inviting me to one.

But it turns out that a txoko, pronounced ch-o-ko, is a gastronomic get together hailing from the Basque country.

There was no trip abroad for this gig though, as it was being held in the new Ambiente Tapas restaurant in Fossgate, York. It was sponsored by Rioja producer Beronia who provided the wine, in the shape of Beronia Reserva 2009 and the even more delicious Gran Reserva 2006. Sadly the latter is only available to the on-trade.

For those of you who are inspired to put on your own txoko, there are two essentials. You will need some good Spanish-style grub and some decent Spanish wine to wash it down with. Here are three food-friendly reds that would be great for the vino element.

On offer at Sainsbury’s until Tuesday is the supermarket’s own label Taste the Difference Sierra de Andia, Navarra 2012. It’s a full-bodied, juicy and spicy blend of graciano, garnacha and tempranillo grapes. Think blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants dusted with black pepper and with a hint of vanilla.

The Wine Society has a similar and reasonably priced offering in Malabarista Tempranillo-Garnacha, Navarra 2012. It is smooth, almost creamy in the mouth, with flavours of cassis and raspberry and notes of violets, chocolate and spice. File under quaffable.

Or for a special treat, head to Rioja and Cune Imperial Reserva 2008. Velvety textured, with a balanced acidity and fine tannins, it oozes red fruits, vanilla and coconut. It would also make a splendid Christmas gift for a Rioja lover.

Taste the Difference Sierra de Andia, Navarra 2012, £5.50 down from £7.25 at Sainsbury’s 17/20

Malabarista Tempranillo-Garnacha, Navarra 2012, £6.25 from The Wine Society 17/20

Cune Imperial Reserva Rioja 2008, £14.99 at the Co-op, £17 at Majestic, 18/20