Spanish Wine and Food Pairing

For the past 10 years, Spanish wines have been synonymous with value. It is the most widely planted wine producing nation in the world while being the third largest wine producer. There are twenty native grape varietals used towards wine production and you can find an assortment of these grape varietal at Vines Wine and Spirits. The quality of wine for the prices is amazing and this category is always well received during wine tasting events. Whether in search of sparkling wine, crisp whites, or bold reds; Spain produces them at a great value.
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method of the French sparkling wine Champagne. With prices of Champagne constantly on the rise, Cava has become more and more popular over the years. It will pair well with popcorn, fish tacos, shellfish, sushi, or spicy Thai. When it comes to bubbles, the Marques De Gelida Cava at $16.99 is a staff favorite!
Albarino is sourced from northwest Spain in the Rias Baixas and is pale golden lemon in color, crisp, elegant, and fresh. Bone-dry and aromatic, these wines are packed with flavors of white peach, apricot, melon, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. The wines have good natural acidity, mineral overtones, and are medium-bodied with moderate alcohol. Albarino will complement ceviche, shellfish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. I would suggest Cana Albarino 2007 for $14.99.
Verdejo is a varietal that has long been grown in the Rueda region in Spain. The wines are well balanced and structured. Verdejo wines have the taste and smell of pears and can be nutty and honeyed after some aging in bottle. On the palate it has a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and intense flavors leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. The Shaya Verdejo 2008 tasted great for $13.99. It will pair well with Asian cuisine, chicken, seafood, ham, or Sushi.
Garnacha is one of the most widely planted varietals throughout Spain. The wines of the Garnacha are characterized by a very fruity, almost sweet taste. You will detect blackberry and some pepper. Available in both red and rose, two suggestions would be Las Rocas Garnacha 2007 for $10.99 and Borsao Rose Garnacha 2008 for $7.99. The Las Rocas will pair great with grilled meats, wild game, roasted pork, robust cheeses, or heavy Asian dishes. The Borsao Rose will complement delicate fish, turkey, vegetarian dishes, and always makes a great pairing with traditional Thanksgiving meals.
Tempranillo produces deep-colored wine with a fruity taste and smell. These wines are very complex with notes of spices, red fruits, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb, and good minerality. Tempranillo is a very diverse wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes. Tempranillo sourced from Rioja, like the Lan Rioja Crianza 2005 at $14.99, pairs well with chicken, ham, turkey, roasted pork, grilled fish, and vegetarian dises. A heavier Tempranillo, like the Triton Tinto de Torro 2007 for $18.99, would pair nicer with grilled red meats, roasted game, venison, lamb, or barbecues.