As our upcoming April Wine Circle focused on the wines of Spain approaches, one question always comes up:
“What should I bring that will pair well with my wine?”
The good news is that Spanish wines are some of the most food-friendly wines in the world. In Spain, wine is rarely enjoyed alone—it’s almost always served alongside small plates, snacks, and shared dishes. The Spanish tradition of tapas is built around exactly this idea: simple foods that bring people together around a table.
For our tasting, we will likely see a wide range of Spanish wines, but four styles are especially common and representative of the country’s diversity: sparkling Cava, crisp Albariño, savory Tempranillo, and bold Monastrell. Each of these wines has classic pairings that are surprisingly easy to bring to a gathering.
Here are a few ideas if you are looking for inspiration.
Cava
Produced primarily in the region of Penedès, Cava is Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine. With its lively bubbles and bright acidity, it is a wonderful way to begin an evening.
One of the secrets of sparkling wine is that it pairs beautifully with salty snacks. The bubbles and acidity refresh the palate and make each bite taste even better.
Simple ideas to bring:
- Marcona almonds
- Spanish olives
- Potato chips or kettle chips
- Lightly fried foods such as croquettes or calamari
It may sound surprising, but chips and sparkling wine are a fantastic match.
Albariño
From the coastal vineyards of Rías Baixas DO in northwestern Spain, Albariño is known for its bright citrus flavors, vibrant acidity, and subtle saline character influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Because of this freshness, Albariño shines with seafood and lighter dishes.
Great options to share:
- Shrimp cocktail
- Crab dip or crab cakes
- Smoked salmon
- Mild cheeses such as young Manchego
These flavors mirror the coastal cuisine of Galicia, where Albariño is traditionally served alongside freshly caught shellfish.
Tempranillo
If Spain has a signature red grape, it is undoubtedly Tempranillo. It forms the backbone of the wines from Rioja DOCa, one of Spain’s most famous regions.
Tempranillo-based wines often show flavors of red fruit, leather, tobacco, and subtle spice, making them perfect companions for savory foods and cured meats.
Easy pairings include:
- Jamón Serrano or other cured ham
- Spanish chorizo
- Manchego cheese
- Roasted mushrooms or grilled vegetables
These foods highlight the wine’s earthy and savory character while remaining simple to share at a gathering.
Monastrell
In southeastern Spain, especially around Jumilla, the Monastrell grape thrives in hot, dry conditions. The wines tend to be rich, deeply colored, and full of dark fruit and spice.
Because of their intensity, these wines pair best with heartier dishes. Consider bringing:
- Lamb meatballs
- Grilled sausages
- Spiced nuts
- Aged cheeses
These bold flavors stand up beautifully to Monastrell’s powerful personality.
The Best Pairing of All
Of course, the true spirit of the Wilmington Wine Circle is not just about perfect pairings. It’s about sharing good wine, good food, and good company.
Spanish wine culture reminds us that wine doesn’t have to be complicated. Often the best combinations are the simplest: a glass of wine, a small bite of something delicious, and a table full of conversation.
So bring a bottle, bring a snack, and come ready to explore the wines of Spain together. ¡Salud!
Haven’t signed up yet for our April Wine Circle?
It’s not too late! You can still join us on Thursday, April 2, from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Trinity Vicinity in Wilmington.
The first Thursday of each month, up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.
Wilmington Wine Circle 