How to choose wine according to your paella?
What’s better than enjoying a small glass of wine (or two) while savoring a paella? According to us, not much. However, it’s important to know how to pair wines with different types of paellas so that the flavors don’t clash.
As you may have guessed, we’re not sommeliers, but we know a thing or two about the art of good food and good drink. So, let us suggest some affordable wines (available at the nearest SAQ) based on the paellas that inspire you.
As a general rule, the more intense and flavorful your dish is, the bolder your wine should be!
Red Wine
Red wine is known for its richness and complex flavors, but did you know that it can be paired even with the most delicate paellas?
Vegetarian Paella
For vegetarian paellas, we recommend lighter red wines. They will complement the flavors of rosemary and saffron without overpowering the delicate tastes of vegetables or plant-based proteins like tofu. You can recognize these wines at the SAQ with labels such as “Fruité et léger” or “Fruité et généreux.” Gamay, a grape variety highly appreciated for its freshness and aromas of red berries, is an ideal candidate here.
We recommend: Antonin Rodet Coteaux Bourguignons
White Meat Paella
If you enjoy traditional paellas, you will certainly love paella valenciana, garnished with rabbit shoulders and chicken drumsticks. Paellas based on white meat like this one are delicious when accompanied by a medium-bodied red wine that wonderfully complements the spices. Look for labels at SAQ that say “Aromatique et souple!” Why not try a Tempranillo to stay in the Spanish tradition?
We recommend : Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rioja
Red Meat Paella
Are you making a paella with chorizo, lamb, or even leftover ground beef? You’ll need a full-bodied wine to accompany these flavorful meats. Look for wines labeled “Aromatique et charnu,” like this one from the Rhône Valley.
We recommend: Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve
White Wine
White wine goes hand in hand with seafood, there’s no doubt about it. For this reason, the combination of white wine and paella is a favorite among many fans of Spanish cuisine.
Shellfish and Shrimp Paella
Our 1-2-3 Olé fish paella is DECADENT, especially when garnished with shrimp, mussels, or even squid. And you know what pairs wonderfully with it? A glass of light white wine that leaves a refreshing sensation in the mouth (look for labels that say “Délicat et léger”). Open your favorite bottle of Pinot Grigio, prepare a delicious Matane shrimp ceviche as an appetizer, put your paella on the stove, and you’re all set! This wine type is also amazing with a vegetarian paella.
We recommend : Ca’ Bolani Pinot Grigio Friuli Aquileia 2022
Fatty Fish Paella
What are fatty fish? These are fish with the highest Omega-3 content (think salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, or even herring). A trout paella or a salmon tartare are both ideal with a slightly richer-textured wine. In this case, we recommend white wines labeled “Fruité et vif,” such as a good Albariño from Galicia.
We recommend : Paco & Lola Rias Baixas 2021
Lobster Paella
Do you want a luxurious meal at home without having togo through a lot of trouble? You should try adding lobster to your paella. It’s an absolute delight! Serve your meal with a rounder white wine that perfectly complements the pronounced texture and taste of lobster. Look for labels with “Aromatique et rond” indicators at SAQ to find the ideal wine (such as a Chardonnay, for example).
We recommend : Bacalhôa Catarina 2021
Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is the ultimate aperitif, especially on summer evenings. However, it is much more versatile than we might think…
Poultry or Lean Fish Paella
Sweeter rosés pair very well with chicken, cod, or even haddock paellas (yes, the variations of paella are endless!). Rosé is also recognized as the perfect companion for fruits. Have you tried the mango spring rolls Marisol style? You guessed it: they are fantastic with a glass of delicate rosé. Look for labels that say “Fruité et léger” at SAQ!
We recommend : Léon Courville Vigneron Cuvée Détente 2022
White Meat or Fatty Fish Paella
For paellas with salmon, pork, or even veal, you’ll need a slightly bolder rosé, such as those labeled “Fruité et généreux.” We particularly like rosés from Navarra or Provence.
We recommend : Mirabeau Classique Côtes De Provence 2022
