What to Drink with Paella
I'm just going to assume you already love paella. (That's why you found your way here, right?) But what should you drink with it?
You know what they say, "What grows
together, goes together!" That's why I always like to pair paella with
Spanish wine if I can.
Spanish reds from Rioja work extremely well with paella. If you can't find a Spanish wine, look for Tempranillo and Garnacha (or Grenache) blends. Avoid overly fruity red wines or any that are high in tannins.
As far as whites, I like a nice Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier. Look for Rueda wines, which legally must contain at least 50% Verdejo grapes, usually with Sauvignon or Macabeo. Roussanne is also a great choice.
Paella also goes well with sparkling wine, like Cava, or with a Spanish rosé like those from Navarra. You can even pair with a dry sherry like Oloroso if you're feeling adventurous.
Try a light, refreshing beer pairing for the complex flavors of the dish. Saison, pilsner, pale ale, or lager are all great choices for a seafood paella or a mixta.
Similarly, a dry, crisp cider works really well with the richness, especially with paella valenciana with duck or a pork-heavy version like the "Tres Cerditos" at La Marcha Tapas Bar (one of the best restaurants in Berkeley, if you ask me). Spanish ciders can be very funky, so don't just grab one off the shelf without a little research!
A fragrant Spanish gin-tonic is really ideal for paella. It is aromatic and refreshing, going so well with the aromatic saffron and sofrito of the dish.
You can, of course, always have some sangria (either red or white), but more traditional in with locals are Spanish wine spritzers like tinto de verano or kalimotxo, as sangria is considered a "tourist drink." Not everyone is willing to mix soda pop with wine, and that's totally fine. Make sangria with seasonal fruit, and ignore the haters.
Sherry cocktails are always a good choice with Spanish food, especially if you're having a fancy dinner party and cooking paella from scratch. It's nice to have a drink that was equally well-crafted, and you can make a big batch beforehand, leave it in the fridge, and add ice or sparkling water at the last moment.
Happy drinking!
Red or White Wine
Spanish reds from Rioja work extremely well with paella. If you can't find a Spanish wine, look for Tempranillo and Garnacha (or Grenache) blends. Avoid overly fruity red wines or any that are high in tannins.
As far as whites, I like a nice Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier. Look for Rueda wines, which legally must contain at least 50% Verdejo grapes, usually with Sauvignon or Macabeo. Roussanne is also a great choice.
Paella also goes well with sparkling wine, like Cava, or with a Spanish rosé like those from Navarra. You can even pair with a dry sherry like Oloroso if you're feeling adventurous.
Beer or Cider
Similarly, a dry, crisp cider works really well with the richness, especially with paella valenciana with duck or a pork-heavy version like the "Tres Cerditos" at La Marcha Tapas Bar (one of the best restaurants in Berkeley, if you ask me). Spanish ciders can be very funky, so don't just grab one off the shelf without a little research!
Cocktails
You can, of course, always have some sangria (either red or white), but more traditional in with locals are Spanish wine spritzers like tinto de verano or kalimotxo, as sangria is considered a "tourist drink." Not everyone is willing to mix soda pop with wine, and that's totally fine. Make sangria with seasonal fruit, and ignore the haters.
Sherry cocktails are always a good choice with Spanish food, especially if you're having a fancy dinner party and cooking paella from scratch. It's nice to have a drink that was equally well-crafted, and you can make a big batch beforehand, leave it in the fridge, and add ice or sparkling water at the last moment.
The Bottom Line
If you cook or eat Spanish food on a regular basis, you are sure to come up with your own particular preferences. Trust your instincts and don't let anyone tell you your taste buds are wrong. It's all about what helps you most enjoy the cuisine, and if you're drinking something you don't like just to make someone else happy, you're missing the point.Happy drinking!
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