Taste Your Way Through Spanish Wines: Top 3 Wine & Food Pairings
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Wines from Spain
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Spanish Wines? Big bold Tempranillo? Zesty, easy-drinking Albariño? Truth is, whether you’re only into the “classics” or more adventurous and love to explore new things - there’s a Spanish wine for everyone and every occasion.
There is a lot to learn about Spanish wine. From the history - Spain has a long history of wine production, with some evidence of vine cultivation for over five thousand years... to the sub-regions, did you know that Spain is the 3rd largest producer with the largest vineyard areas and has 138 official wine designations? As I said - a lot to cover! But fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to start the journey and fall in love with Spanish wines. The sun-kissed Mediterranean climate that influences most of the country gives many of the wines a juicy, fruit-forward flavor profile. In addition, when we talk about Spanish wines, images come into the mind of the sun-drenched wine country and family vineyards, where delicious homemade food and excellent wine abound!
Today, let’s focus on 3 regions and wines, with recommended food pairings that you should absolutely try!
Red: Rioja
Rioja in 60 seconds:
Rioja is Spain’s most well-known wine region and a significant producer of good to outstanding quality wines at price points from inexpensive to super-premium. Located in Northern Spain, Rioja is best known for berry-scented, barrel-aged red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha. Generally speaking, Rioja provides black plum, cherry aromas with midum+ level of tannins and acidity. Depending on the aging time (time spent in barrel and bottle), the wines are split into four classification levels: Genérico, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
Wine to try: Ramon Bilbao Mirto
Produced only in excellent years from the best old vines from eight villages around Haro and with a selection of only 1 or 2 vats after separate fermentation of the plots. This is a classic example of how a good Rioja is made. The bottle of ‘99: Intense complex aromas of black fruit, licorice, mixed spices, and hints of balsamic. Bold, powerful palate with ripe tannins, mushroom, and smoke, balanced with beautiful acidity.
Recommended food pairing: Tacos!
I mean, who doesn’t love Tacos? Tacos are literally everywhere these days, from funky food trucks to high-end restaurants. While there’s nothing wrong with an ice-cold beer or a pitcher of Sangria with your favorite tacos, if you pick the right vino, it’ll take your Taco Tuesday to the next level! Try this Rioja with Braised Crispy Pork Belly with Marinated Red Onions & Crispy Beer Battered Fish topped with Pickled Jalapeño Cabbage Slaw!
White: Txakolina
Txakolina in 60 seconds:
Getariako Txakolina is a DO wine zone within Pais Vasco (the Basque Country), northern Spain. The region is very much undergoing a renaissance and a surge in popularity after years of being overlooked. Local varieties: Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Beltza, and Gros Manseng are the grapes that dominate here. Generally speaking, the wines have high acidity, racy citrus fruit flavors; best to be consumed young.
Wine to try: Getariako Txakolina 2018
Mouthwatering acids with loads of lemon, lime, green apple aromas. The palate reveals stony mineral notes, finishes salty and clean. This is something I’d slightly chill and enjoy on a hot summer day!
Food pairing:
Charred Corn with Cream Cheese & Crisp Panko Parmesan Crust
I know some prefer an oaked Chardonnay with the dish, but for me, as much as I love the rich, buttery charred corns, after a few bites, they get too creamy and overwhelming...which calls for a chilled white wine with zippy acidity!
Fortified: Sherry - Manzanilla
Manzanilla in 60 seconds:
Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera. Produced in a variety of styles made primarily from Palomino - ranging from light versions such as Fino and Manzanilla, to darker and heavier versions that have been allowed to oxidize as they age in barrels, such as Amontillado and Oloroso. To simply put, Manzanilla is a dry white wine made from palomino grapes and aged under a layer of yeasts know as veil de flor. It is produced exclusively in the bodegas of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Wine to try: Ria Pita Manzanilla
Pale gold color. Fresh stone fruit, delicate bouquet of chamomile, along with the citrus zest. A slight salty and nuttiness provides depth and complexity, beautiful mineral notes. Long finish that goes on and on...
Food pairing: Char-grilled Octopus and Artichoke Salad
I mean...do I even need to explain how amazing this pairing is? Try it yourself and thank me later!
This article was created in partnership with Wines from Spain.