Perfect Wine Pairings for Paella

Paella, with its rich and savory mix of seafood, charcuterie, and spices, presents a unique challenge when it comes to finding the ideal wine. Here are two excellent wine pairings to complement this flavorful dish.

1) A Fruity and Spicy Red Wine

Paella's diverse ingredients make it a complex dish to pair with wine, similar to couscous. You'll need a wine that is fruity with soft tannins to avoid overpowering the delicate seafood flavors, yet robust enough to stand up to the charcuterie and spices. Consider either a spicy red wine from Provence or Languedoc with strong aromas or a well-structured rosé (avoid aperitif-style rosés) from Côtes de Provence or Anjou. A Spanish red wine made from tempranillo is also a nice alternative.

The Perfect Pairing:

The Cuvée Corto from Domaine de la Perdrix, IGP Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes. This gourmand red wine with black fruit aromas is spicy on the palate with licorice notes in the finish. Its crunchy character, soft tannins, and length on the palate reflect a beautiful balance.

2) A Powerful and Creamy White Wine

If you prefer white wine, there are plenty of options that pair well with paella. Avoid overly mineral wines that might be overwhelmed by the charcuterie and spices, and opt for dry, powerful whites with a creamy structure. A white wine from the Corbières appellation (Languedoc-Roussillon) or a Bordeaux white will be a great match.

The Perfect Pairing:

The Cuvée Château Haut-Gléon from Château Haut-Gléon, AOC Corbières. This white wine reveals aromas of exotic fruits and citrus that contrast with the slightly greasy texture of the charcuterie and olive oil in the paella. Full and generous, its creamy mouthfeel with buttery notes provides a long aromatic persistence, enhanced by sweet spice notes that highlight the saffron rice flavors.

Enjoy your paella!