FOOD AND WINE PAIRING – SPANISH TAPAS (continuation from BLOG “FOOD AND WINE PAIRING” dated 5th June 2010

INTRODUCTION:- This blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine

FOOD BEING FEATURED:- SPANISH TAPAS, delicious small dishes most suitable for sharing, often early evening at a bar before a late dinner. A good range of tapas would probably include red and white meats, seafood, egg and cheese dishes and many vegetable delights.

CHALLENGES:- The big challenge is the vast range of different dishes and flavours that can be consumed in just one or two hours. In a short period of time, one could have enjoyed dishes made from red meat, white meat, shellfish, grilled oily fish, cheese and eggs, and a mixture of light to strong tasting vegetables. These dishes will be paired with sauces of many flavours and textures with examples being Tomato and Garlic sauce, white wine sauce, sweet and chilli sauces, and citrus sauces just a few to mention.

RECOMMENDATIONS:- Tradition suggests sherry was served with Tapas originally in bars througout Andalusia. So why not enjoy your tapas with a good Manzanilla sherry such as Las Medallas de Argueso Manzanilla Half Bottle      or a dry Oloroso sherry like Williams & Humbert 12 years old Dry Oloroso Sherry      . But, if you prefer wine, then the challenge is pairing wines with so many varying tastes and flavours e.g. Potato or Chicken Croquettes, Lamb Meatballs, Deep Fried Squid, Prawns in Garlic, Artichoke Hearts with garlic mayonnaise, slices of spanish omlette and also the many different olive dishes. A fruity and tasty rose wine from Marques de Caceres, Rioja     might just cover all permentations. If that is not your preference and there are more than four in your party, then select a quality medium bodied white wine from Mallorca  such as  L’Antull, Vins de Mortitx  and a quality medium bodied red wine from  Rioja  such as  Anares Reserva Rioja, Bodegas Olarra  .  Neither of these wines will let you down.

MAIN DIRECTORY:- click on THE MARRIAGE OF FOOD AND WINE to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’Oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses, and desserts. Also view GREAT FRIENDS-CHEESE AND WINE for cheese and wine PAIRING.

NEXT ARTICLE:– CHINESE FOOD

HAPPY SPANISH TAPAS AND WINE PAIRING DAYS

GRAHAM D