Food and wine pairing: Paella!

Paella is much more than a simple dish, it's a veritable gustatory voyage through the sunny regions of Spain. Its saffron rice base, enhanced with seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and sometimes meat like chicken or rabbit, as well as a variety of vegetables, creates an explosion of flavors and textures that seduces palates the world over.

To choose the ideal wine to accompany paella, it's important to consider several elements:

The type of paella: Depending on the region of Spain and the ingredients used, paellas can vary considerably in flavor and character. A seafood paella will have different needs in terms of wine pairing compared to a mixed paella with meat.

The type of paella: Depending on the region of Spain and the ingredients used, paellas can vary considerably in flavor and character.

Spices and herbs: saffron, paprika, rosemary and parsley are ingredients commonly used in paella, each bringing its own aromatic note. The wine chosen should complement these flavors without overpowering them.

The texture of the dish: Paella can have a texture ranging from chewy to crisp, depending on how it's prepared. A wine with a similar texture can accentuate the taste experience.

The dish's texture: Paella can have a texture ranging from chewy to crunchy, depending on how it's prepared.

Here are some wine and paella pairing suggestions to guide you in your choice:

Dry white wine: A dry, mineral white wine from Spain, such as an Albariño from the Rías Baixas region, or from France like a Sancerre Blanc bio, offers a freshness and liveliness that perfectly complements the seafood and spices of the paella.

A rosé wine: A dry, mineral rosé wine from Provence, such as Côtes de Provence from Montagne-Saint-Victoire, is a great alternative to dry white wine. Rosé wine will bounce off the spices to bring them out better: try the rosé du Château Grand Boise for example with this dish.

Spanish red wine: A Spanish red wine, such as a Tempranillo from Rioja or a Garnacha from the Priorat region, offers a richness of flavor that pairs well with paella meats and warm spices.