Three marvelous matches

With the festive season starting you may already have in mind how your Christmas dinner is going to look like including the wine that goes well with it. Many books have been written on wine and food pairings and it is certainly true that one combination works better than the other. The so-called structural components, for example sweetness or acidity in both the wine and the food largely determine if a pairing will be a success. However, personal preferences play quite an important role, too. So in that case, try to both prepare the dinner and choose the wine! Below are three of my all-time favorite combinations in Spain.

Pulpo a la gallega and Rias Baixas Albarino

Grilled octopus is a typical Galician dish that goes very well with the Albariño wine made in one of the 5 Galician wine regions: Rías Baixas. The soft smooth structure of the pulpo paired with the fresh and crisp Albariño white wine is a delight. Try Palacio de Fefiñanes, Pazo de Señorans or Terras Gauda.

Cochinillo asado and Ribera del Duero Tempranillo

Cochinillo or roast suckling pig is a typical Spanish dish that you may find in many restaurants in Spain in the regions Aragón, La Mancha and around Madrid. The meat is deliciously soft with a crispy crust. An excellent dish to compare with a bold red from Ribera del Duero: Try Pago de Carraovejas, Pago de los Capellanes or Matarromera.

Almond cake and Alicante Moscatel

Almond cake is one of my favorite sweet deserts to enjoy with a sweet wine, and it’s not that difficult to make the cake! A very nice choice to conclude your dinner with family or friends. There are numerous sweet wines that go well with this nutty and rich desert. In Spain, I would go for a Moscatel wine, as the ripe, dried fruit and texture harmonize well with the cake. Try Gutiérrez de la Vega.

Buen provecho y salud!

About Ivan Wines

Spain is home to many beautiful, but also lesser-known quality wines. With Ivan Wines, I focus on discovering and promoting Spanish wines, the makers and the regions. As a Dutch Registered Vinologist and WSET Level 3 Wines Certified, I organise tastings and wine tours from Valencia. To subscribe to my newsletter, click the button on this page.