I’ve always been a fan of rice dishes, part of which stems from the time I spent as a newly-wed naval wife, in Hong Kong, where special fried rice was the order of the day practically every lunchtime, spent sunbathing by the pool at the naval base, Tamar. Those were the days.
Closer to home, and with Spain emphatically holding onto pole position as the top holiday destination for us Brits, many families will have returned from their time in the sun, sporting bronzed bodies, Having got the kids kitted out ready for a new school year, they will be looking forward to catching up with friends and inviting them round for a bite to eat.
There can be few better ways to entertain than to produce a steaming dish of fragrant paella. Easy on the washing up, with the ability to be eked out to accommodate extra guests, it provides a flavoursome reminder evocative of sunny, relaxing times, and is a real crowd pleaser.
Although Paella originates from Valencia, where it is generally cooked with meat, which could include chicken, rabbit and even snails; it is only outside Valencia that ‘mixed’ paella, containing both meat and fish, is served. Recipes vary - and are much argued over - but typically the dish will include chicken or rabbit, prawns, mussels or clams, red peppers, pimento and saffron-flavoured rice. Some prefer Paella Negra, a seafood dish made with squid ink, which turns the rice black.
It is one of those dishes with many different interpretations, and goes well with a wide range of wines or other beverages you might choose to accompany it.
Paella is typically eaten at relaxed, informal gatherings so I'd avoid those knockout new world wines packed full or fruit, or reds, high in tannins.
If you’re a bit hesitant about the idea of matching fish and red wine you might automatically think of pairing paella with a white wine, but the heartiness of the dish makes it just as good a match with a rosé or a red.
When considering Spanish wines our thoughts automatically turn to Rioja, but there is a lot more to Spanish wines than this perennial pub favourite, particularly as many of the lower priced offerings provide little of the character and flavour associated with a good reserva. So now is the opportunity to try something a little different.
Traditionally, the Spanish drink rosé or a crisp Spanish white wine such as albariňo with their paella, and lovers of sparkling wines often enjoy a good Cava. Outside Spain, the lighter reds and rosés from Languedoc-Roussillon would go well, and there are now some characterful whites wines, with an earthy richness, made from Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, on the market.
For non-wine lovers, in Valencia, the beer of choice is local brand, Estrella De Levante from Murcia, or other popular native beers such as Ambar from Zaragoza. My personal preference would be a bone dry Spanish fino sherry.
The following wines are available from local supermarkets, and for armchair shoppers, also from a number of online channels.
For those keen to hunt out supermarket bargains, this website might be worth a look - www.supermarketspecialoffers.com
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay, 2013, SE Australia. 13%, £7.99
An undemanding wine, well balanced, and with a soft texture.
Yellow Tail Pink Moscato, NV, SE Australia. 7.5%, £7.99
Cheap and cheerful, and low in alcohol so easy to quaff.
Gold Label Rosé, 2012, Languedoc, France. 12.5% £7.99
A refreshing fruity, rosé from the South of France, a blend of Syrah and other grapes.
Codorniu, Brut, Cava, NV, Spain. 11.5%, £8.99
Made from the traditional Catalan varieties, a good example, made by a long standing maker with a good reputation. Bubbly always makes the party go with a swing.
Magnus Hill Chardonnay, 2013, Adelaide Hills, S. Australia. 12%, £9.99
This comes from a cooler climate area, giving a restrained elegance and minerality, with a long finish.
Val do Salnes Albariño, 2011, Galicia, Spain. 12% £11.99
A light and intensely fruity wine from the birthplace of this grape variety.
Ropiteau Auxey-Duresses 2007, Burgundy, France. 13%, £19.99
A classy wine, where bottle ageing has added to its complexity, giving a creamy oak character.
Marques de Monistrol Vintage Cava Rosé Brut. 11.5%, £13
Medal winning Cava from a well established wine maker; superbly refreshing and good value.
Gonzalez Byass Delicado Fino. 15.5%, £13.99
A limited production, made for Waitrose, and has exceptional finesse.
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