Best List of Food Pairings With Rioja Wines For Your Mood
When thinking about Rioja wines, your mind may straightaway focus on Spanish tapas, grilled lamb, or maybe a stew. While those classics are popular, Rioja has so much more to offer when it comes to food pairing. This wine type can shine with unexpected flavours that might not even cross your mind at first.
You may want to experiment in the kitchen or simply want to impress your fellow mates at the next dinner party, discovering these offbeat pairings can take your wine experience to the next level!
Amazing Food Pairings You Did Not Expect With Rioja
Rioja wines are known for their balance of fruit, spice, and oak. Here are some pairings that will give your tastebuds the taste it deserves:
Dark Chocolate - The Treat You Deserve
This one is a real treat. The deep red fruit flavours in Rioja pair surprisingly well with dark chocolate. Live the slight bitterness of cocoa contrasts with the ripe berry notes of the wine that creates a lush balance. Add a hint of chilli chocolate, and you will unlock a spicy taste that can match with Rioja’s subtle peppery finish.
Blue Cheese Pizza - Feel Sweet and Sour
You might not think of Rioja when you are tossing a pizza in the oven, but do give it a shot. The creaminess and salty punch of blue cheese finds its match in the structured tannins of Rioja wines. Try throwing in some caramalised onions or a drizzle of honey on your pizza. Enjoy a sweet and savoury taste that will upgrade both your dish and the wine.
Grilled Octopus - Lighter and Smoky
Seafood is not usually the first thing people pair with red wine, but Rioja can handle it. Grilled octopus, with its smoky flavour and meaty texture will work brilliantly with lighter Rioja wines. The wine’s acidity will lift the richness of the octopus while its fruity notes will balance the smokiness.
Asian Street Food - Spiciness with Cooling Effect
Spicy noodles, pork dumplings, or even Thai-style satay skewers might sound like they would clash with wine, but Rioja steps up here. The vibrant fruitiness is ready to surprise your tastebuds while the oak influence cools down fiery flavours. Try Rioja with pad Thai or Korean BBQ and you will see just how flexible it can be.
Exploring food pairings with Rioja wines does not mean you have to stick to tradition. You will have to experiment with flavors that you already love and see how Rioja can bring them back to life. So, the next time you are pouring yourself a glass of Rioja, do think beyond lamb chops. Try it something extraordinary. Moreover, these set of wines are meant to be enjoyed and celebrated with flavours that keep you coming back for more. Happy and safe drinking!