What Wine Goes With Paella? (Paella Wine Pairing)

Paella is a classic Spanish dish, and if you are wondering what wine goes with paella, then you have come to the right place!

Paella can be served with a variety of different wines depending on the ingredients used.

I’m sharing 10 of my favorite wines that pair perfectly with paella including reds, whites, and rose options.

From light, crisp wines to bolder, more full-bodied wines, there’s something for everyone here.

So go ahead and pick up one of these bottles before your next paella cookout!

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

When choosing a wine to pair with paella, opt for a Spanish red such as Rioja or Tempranillo. These full-bodied wines will complement the earthy flavors of the dish and bring out its subtle sweetness. White wines like Verdejo and Albarino are also excellent choices.

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Seafood Paella?

1. Paella is a delicate and complex dish that deserves to be paired with a refreshing and light wine that won’t overpower its flavors. Trust me, you don’t want to ruin the magic of this dish with the wrong wine!
2. Serving wine with your paella can elevate your dining experience from great to WOW! Imagine savoring every bite of your delicious paella and then washing it down with a perfectly paired wine. Yum!
3. Pairing wine with paella is not just about complementing the flavors of the dish, it’s also about adding a touch of sophistication and class to your meal. You’ll feel like a fancy-pants connoisseur, even if you’re wearing sweatpants.
4. By choosing the right wine to pair with your paella, you can also enhance the flavors of the seafood and make it taste even better! It’s like a match made in heaven, a seafood and wine love story!
5. Plus, let’s be real here, serving wine with your paella is just plain fun! It’s an opportunity to try different wines, experiment with flavors, and impress your guests with your wine knowledge (or lack thereof, we don’t judge here).

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Seafood Paella

1. Consider the seafood in the dish. Different types of seafood have different flavors and textures, and this can affect the wine pairing. For example, if your paella has shrimp, you might want to choose a wine with a citrusy note to complement the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Look for light and refreshing wines. Seafood paella is a light and delicate dish, so you don’t want a heavy wine that will overpower the flavors. Choose a wine that is light and fresh to enhance the flavors of the dish.
3. Avoid heavily oaked wines. Oak-aged wines tend to have a strong, woody flavor that can clash with the delicate flavors of seafood paella. Opt for wines that are fermented in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels instead.
4. Match the acidity of the wine to the dish. Seafood is naturally acidic, so you’ll want to choose a wine with a similar level of acidity to balance out the flavors. A wine that is too sweet or too acidic can overpower the flavors of the dish.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines! Wine pairing is a subjective art, and what works for one person might not work for another. Try different wines and find the one that best complements your personal taste and the flavors of your dish.

What Wine Goes With Paella? 10 Best Wines

1. Albariño: This wine is light, crisp, and has a refreshing acidity that pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of seafood paella.
2. Verdejo: Another light and refreshing wine, Verdejo has a zesty citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the seafood.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: This classic white wine has a herbaceous and fruity flavor that pairs well with the herbal notes in the paella.
4. Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing Italian wine that pairs well with the seafood and saffron flavors in the paella.
5. Vermentino: This Italian wine has a bright and citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the seafood and the saffron in the dish.
6. Muscadet: This French wine is light, dry, and has a minerality that pairs well with the saltiness of the seafood.
7. Godello: A Spanish white wine that has a rich and creamy texture and a balanced acidity that pairs well with the seafood and rice in the paella.
8. Txakoli: A light and effervescent wine from the Basque region of Spain that has a refreshing acidity and pairs well with the seafood and saffron in the paella.
9. Cava: This Spanish sparkling wine has a refreshing acidity that pairs well with the seafood and the richness of the dish.
10. Rueda: Another Spanish white wine, Rueda has a floral and herbal flavor that complements the herbal notes in the paella.

Tips for Serving Wine with Seafood Paella

• Ideal serving temperature for different wines. Different wines should be served at different temperatures to enhance their flavors and aromas. For example, white wines should be served chilled, while red wines should be served at room temperature. The ideal serving temperature can vary depending on the wine, so make sure to do your research and chill or warm up your wine accordingly.
• Glassware recommendations. The type of glass you use can affect the taste and aroma of your wine. For example, a tulip-shaped glass can enhance the aromas of white wine, while a larger bowl-shaped glass can enhance the flavors of red wine. Use the appropriate glassware to make the most of your wine pairing.
• Pairing wine with different components of the dish. Seafood paella is a complex dish with many different flavors, and pairing the right wine with each component can enhance the overall experience. For example, a light white wine can complement the sweetness of the seafood, while a sparkling wine can cut through the richness of the rice. Experiment with different wines to find the perfect pairing for each component of the dish.

Regional Wine Pairings for Seafood Paella

• Wines from Spain that pair well with paella. Spain is the birthplace of paella, so it’s no surprise that there are many wines from the country that pair perfectly with the dish. For example, a Spanish white wine such as Albariño or Verdejo can complement the flavors of the seafood and the saffron in the dish. And of course, a Spanish sparkling wine such as Cava can add a touch of celebration to your meal.
• Wines from other countries that pair well with paella. While Spanish wines are the traditional pairing for paella, there are many wines from other countries that can work just as well. For example, a light and fruity Italian wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino can complement the sweetness of the seafood, while a crisp and refreshing French Muscadet can balance out the saltiness of the dish.
• How regional wines complement the flavors of paella. Each region has its own unique wine styles and flavors that can enhance the flavors of paella in different ways. For example, a Portuguese Vinho Verde can add a touch of citrusy acidity to the dish, while a Greek Assyrtiko can complement the herbal notes in the paella.

Alternatives to Wine Pairings

• Beer pairing suggestions. Beer can be a refreshing and tasty alternative to wine when it comes to pairing with seafood paella. A light and crisp pilsner or lager can complement the flavors of the seafood, while a hoppy IPA can cut through the richness of the rice. And if you want to stick to Spanish flavors, there are plenty of delicious Spanish beers such as Estrella Damm or Mahou that pair perfectly with paella.
• Cocktail pairing suggestions. Cocktails can add a fun and festive touch to your seafood paella meal. A citrusy and refreshing gin and tonic can complement the sweetness of the seafood, while a margarita or a Paloma can add a touch of tequila-infused excitement to the meal. And if you want to stick to the Spanish theme, why not try a sangria or a refreshing Spanish gin tonic?
• Non-alcoholic pairing suggestions. Not everyone likes to drink alcohol, and that’s okay! There are plenty of non-alcoholic options that can complement the flavors of your seafood paella. A fresh and citrusy lemonade or a homemade iced tea can add a touch of sweetness to the meal, while a sparkling water or a flavored soda can provide a refreshing and bubbly alternative to wine.

Conclusion

Now we’ve come to the end of our delicious wine and seafood journey!

But before we go, let’s recap the 10 best wines to pair with seafood paella:

1. Albariño
2. Verdejo
3. Sauvignon Blanc
4. Pinot Grigio
5. Vermentino
6. Muscadet
7. Godello
8. Txakoli
9. Cava
10. Rueda

There you have it, my friends!

Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp wine or a rich and creamy one, there’s a wine on this list that will complement the delicate flavors of your seafood paella perfectly.

So go ahead and try different wines, experiment with flavors, and find the perfect wine pairing that suits your personal taste.

Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

And remember, always drink responsibly and have fun! Cheers!