What Wine Goes With Paella?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Drink Spanish. Seafood paella suits Albariño, Verdejo or a dry Spanish rosé (rosado). Valencian paella with chicken and rabbit, or paella with chorizo, suits Garnacha or a young Tempranillo (Rioja Crianza). Cava is a festive choice for any version.
Quick decision
- Seafood paella (paella de marisco)→ Albariño or Verdejo
- Mixed paella→ Dry Spanish rosado
- Chicken and rabbit (Valencian)→ Garnacha or young Tempranillo
- With chorizo→ Garnacha or Rioja Crianza
- For a party→ Cava
Saffron and seafood
Saffron, garlic and shellfish want fresh, aromatic whites. Albariño from Rías Baixas, on Spain's Atlantic coast, has a salty, citrus character made for seafood.
Meat versions
Chicken, rabbit and smoked paprika add weight. Garnacha's ripe red fruit and young Tempranillo's soft savory notes suit them. Oaky, long-aged Gran Reservas can overpower the rice.
Common questions
- Is rosé good with paella?
- Yes. A dry Spanish rosado is one of the best all-round paella wines, especially for mixed seafood-and-meat versions.
Choosing a glass? See the Rosé wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.