Chorizo & Wine Pairings: The Best Spanish Wines to Enjoy with Your Chorizo

Spanish chorizo is a culinary treasure, bursting with bold flavors from smoky paprika, garlic, and cured pork. Whether sliced and served as part of a tapas spread or cooked into a hearty dish, chorizo’s rich and savory profile makes it an excellent companion to wine. But which wines pair best with Spanish chorizo? In this guide, we’ll explore the best Spanish wines to complement different types of chorizo and how to elevate your dining experience with perfect pairings.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of Spanish Chorizo

To pair wine effectively, it’s essential to understand chorizo’s dominant flavors:

• Smoky & Spicy Notes – The use of pimentón (Spanish smoked paprika) gives chorizo its signature warmth and depth.
• Rich & Fatty Texture – Cured chorizo has an intense, meaty richness that pairs well with acidic wines that can cut through the fat.
• Garlic & Herbs – Some varieties have strong herbal and garlicky notes, influencing which wines complement them best.

Best Spanish Wines to Pair with Chorizo

1. Rioja (Tempranillo-Based Wines)

Why it works: Rioja wines, particularly those made from Tempranillo grapes, offer balanced acidity, soft tannins, and flavors of red berries, vanilla, and oak. These elements enhance the smokiness and depth of cured chorizo while cleansing the

palate.

Best Pairing: Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva with cured chorizo slices or chorizo in tapas dishes.

2. Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Why it works: This crisp and refreshing white wine from Galicia has citrus and mineral notes that contrast beautifully with the richness of fresh chorizo. It works particularly well when chorizo is used in seafood dishes.

Best Pairing: Albariño with chorizo and seafood paella or chorizo-stuffed mussels.

3. Garnacha (Grenache)

Why it works: Garnacha, grown widely in Spain, produces fruit-forward, medium-bodied wines with a touch of spice that harmonizes with the smoky character of chorizo.

Best Pairing: Garnacha with grilled chorizo or chorizo a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider).

4. Mencía (Bierzo)

Why it works: This lesser-known red wine from northwest Spain has bright acidity, floral notes, and a touch of minerality, making it a perfect match for garlicky chorizo.

Best Pairing: Mencía with chorizo & lentil soup or chorizo empanadas.

5. Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine)

Why it works: The bubbles and acidity in Cava help cleanse the palate from the rich oils of chorizo, making it a refreshing pairing, especially with fried chorizo dishes.

Best Pairing: Cava with chorizo croquettes or one of my favorites, chorizo & mushrooms in a triple sherry cream reduction.

6. Sherry (Fino or Amontillado)

Why it works: Dry Sherries like Fino and Amontillado from Jerez have nutty, saline, and complex flavors that highlight the depth of Spanish chorizo.

Best Pairing: Fino Sherry with cured chorizo tapas, or Amontillado with chorizo and cheese platters.

Final Thoughts

Pairing Spanish chorizo with the right wine can enhance both the dish and the drink, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a simple tapa or a complex stew, Spain offers a perfect wine to complement the depth and richness of chorizo. Try experimenting with different pairings to discover your favorite combination!