7 Best Paella Wine Pairings & Why it Works!

paella wine pairing

Quick Answer: For a white wine try an Albariño, for a red wine try a Tempranillo! #1 Rule in food and wine pairing is by regionally matching wine and cuisine. All foods and wines from the same region should complement each other superbly!

One of the best things about Paella is that it goes well with a variety of wines. However, there are different types of Paella, so the Paella wine pairing will depend on which type you eat.

In this blog post, we will discuss seven (7) different wines that pair perfectly with Paella. We’ll also explore why these wines work so well with this Spanish dish.

So if you’re looking for some new wine recommendations to go along with your Paella, read on!

Table of Contents

What is Paella? What are the Different Types of Paella?

different types of paella wine with paella butter beans olive oil

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood. To get the traditional Valencia Paella, use short-grain Spanish rice (a.k.a Bomba rice) that is grown in the region. A common substitute can be with Arborio rice, but it will taste different. Most significantly, saffron is used in Paellas to give it a yellow color and distinctive flavor. It is typically cooked in a large Paella pan, sometimes called paelleras, over an open fire.

There are many different types of paella, but the most common include:

  • Paella Valenciana (Meat): This traditional Paella Valenciana includes chicken (rabbit or snails can be added or substituted), green beans, butter beans, rice, and seasoning.
  • Paella de Marisco (Seafood): This seafood Paella is made with seafood, such as shrimp, clams, mussels and other seafoods.
  • Paella Vegetariana (Vegetarian): As the name suggests, this is a vegetarian Paella and includes vegetables like red and green pepper, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, palm hearts, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
  • Paella Negra (squid ink): This Paella gets its black color from squid ink and is made with seafood.
  • Paella Mixta (Mixed): This mixed Paella has both meat and seafood and sometimes called Paella Andaluz. Its a combination of both Paella Valenciana and Marisco.

What are the Best Paella Wine Pairings?

1) Tempranillo

Tempranillo flavors

Pairs best with: Paella Valenciana, Paella Mixta

While there are many different versions of Paella, the one common denominator is that it is a hearty and filling meal. For this reason, Tempranillo wine is the perfect pairing for Paella. Tempranillo is a full-bodied red wine that has flavors of dark fruits and spices.

The bold flavors of the wine can stand up to the hearty ingredients in Paella, and the tannins will help to cut through the richness of the dish.

In addition, Tempranillo is a relatively affordable option, which makes it an ideal choice for pairing wine with Paella. So whether you are enjoying a casual weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, Tempranillo wine is the perfect pairing.

2) Albariño

lightly sparkling wine olive oil

Pairs best with: Paella Marisco, Paella Negra, Paella Vegetariana

Albariño is a white wine that originates from the northwestern region of Spain. This white wine is very crisp and refreshing, with flavors of citrus and stone fruits. And the acidity in Albariño makes it a perfect pairing for Paella dishes that are light in flavor.

In particular, Albariño pairs well with a seafood paella. Because the acidity in the white wine helps to cut through the richness of the seafood, and the citrus flavors complement the dish perfectly. And also the flavors of seafood Paella are delicate, so it must be served with a light and refreshing wine that will not overpower its aroma.

So, if you are looking to pair a white wine with Paella, Albariño is a great option (Sauvignon Blanc can be substituted). 

3) Cava

different types of cava

Pairs best with: Paella Marisco, Paella Negra, Paella Vegetariana

Cava is a sparkling wine that originates from Spain. It is made using the traditional Champagne method, and it has flavors of citrus and stone fruits. Cava is a light and refreshing sparkling wine that pairs well with Paellas that are light and rich in flavor.

Because the flavors of seafood Paella are delicate, it must be served with a light and refreshing wine that will not overpower it. Also this wine would provide a balanced and pleasant bouquet to accompany the flavors of the vegetable Paella. It also adds some acidity and effervescent to the mix, which helps to balance out the rich deep sea flavors of the squid ink.

4) Bobal

Spain Wine Regions Map Tempranillo grape regions

Pairs best with: Paella Valenciana, Paella Mixta

The Bobal grape is one of Spain’s most cultivated, although it is largely unknown outside the country. But as a red wine that originates from the Valencia region of Spain, its a perfect pairing for a Paella Valenciana.

This fruity red wine is full-bodied and has flavors of dark fruits, black cherry, herbs, spices, and chocolate. The bold flavors of Bobal make it a perfect pairing for any wine with Paellas that are hearty and filling.

In particular, Bobal pairs well with a mixed Paella that contain meat. The bold flavors of the wine can stand up to the hearty ingredients in mixed Paella, and the tannins will help to cut through the richness of the dish.

5) Txakolí Rosé

Bidaia Rose

Pairs best with: Paella Marisco, Paella Vegetariana

Rose from Txakolí is one that originates from the Basque region of Spain. It is made using the native Hondarribi Zuri grape, and it has flavors of citrus and stone fruits. Txakolí Rose is a light and refreshing, herbaceous wine has a hint of effervescence that pairs well with Paellas that are light in flavor.

In particular, Txakolí Rose pairs well with a seafood Paella. Again, the acidity and freshness of the wine helps to balance the delicate flavors of the seafood, and the citrus flavors also complement the seafood Paella dish perfectly.

6) Grüner Veltliner

gruner veltliner taste profile wine pairing options

Pairs best with: Paella Marisco, Paella Valenciana, Paella Mixta

Grüner Veltliner is a zesty and crisp white wine that originates from Austria. And it has similar flavors of an old world Sauvignon Blanc like citrus, herbs, minerals, and white pepper but with a hint of spice. Therefore, Grüner Veltliner is a versatile wine that pairs with Paellas that are light or hearty in flavor.

In particular, Grüner Veltliner pairs well with Paellas that contain seafood. The acidity of the white wine helps to cut through the richness of the meat, and the powerful minerals compliments all seafoods in the dish. Also the hint of spice and white pepper in a Grüner Veltliner also pairs well with the saffron seasoning in the rice.

7) Sangria

sangria wine with paella

Pairs well with all Paella

Sangria is a fruity and refreshing wine that originates from Spain. The primary ingredients in traditional sangria are red wine, water, herbs and spices, as well as fruit.

Because Paella is such a versatile dish and has many flavors, so does a Sangria. The light and refreshing qualities along with the fruit flavors complement the Paella perfectly. Therefore, its always great option because the sweetness can help cut through the spiciness of some the meats or seafoods in the dish.

Sangria is also a great choice for Paella parties because it can be made in large batches ahead of time. Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then, just pour and enjoy!

Best Tips for Paella Wine Pairings

  • First, it depends on the type of Paella you’re having.
  • Always choose a wine that is light and refreshing to pair with seafood Paellas.
  • And for Paellas that are hearty and filling, choose a bolder red wine.
  • But Rose and white wines are also a good wine with Paella Vegetariana.
  • Albariño is the seafood lover’s wine from Spain, therefore pair this wine with Paella Marisco
  • Finally, Sangria is perfect for Paella parties and more casual settings.

FAQs

What wine goes well with Paella?

There are many different types of wines (red, rose, sparkling or white wines) that can be paired with Paella. But it depends on what type of Paella you are having. Some of the best options for a wine with Paella include Albariño, Tempranillo, Bobal, Cava, Txakolí Rosé, Gruner Veltliner, and Sangria.

What red wine goes best with Paella?

For Paellas that are hearty and filling, choose a bolder red wine. So, Tempranillo and Bobal are great options because they can stand up to the heartiness of the dish.

However, selecting the ideal wine to enjoy with Paella is always subjective, and your favorite choice of wine will often make the perfect Paella wine pairing. So give it a shot!

What do you pair Paella with?

Wine! There are many different types of wines that can be paired with Paella. But again it depends on what type of Paella dish you are eating. 

Both red and white wines can pair well with Paella. It really depends on the flavors in the dish and what you personally prefer. So for example, if you like white wines, try a white wine. 

Can I use red wine in Paella?

Yes, you can use red wine in Paella. In fact, many Paella recipes call for red wine so the flavors of the wine and dish should match perfectly. 

Summary

We hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best wine pairing for Paella.

If you liked this article, be sure to check our other food and wine pairings like:

Cheers!

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