Spain’s longstanding history of exquisite cuisine is no secret, and it’s also responsible for producing some of the world’s most spectacular wines. Achieving the perfect pairing between a good wine and our products is the key to maximum enjoyment.
Deciding on the right wine to pair with such an interesting product can feel like a daunting task. With so many factors to keep in mind that it can start to feel overwhelming.
Flavors of Ibérico Jamón to keep in mind
Ibérico Jamón complexity offers an experience of both sweet and savory notes, evoking notes of truffle, honey, and earthy tones thanks in part to the natural way in which our unique breed of Iberian pigs are raised, feeding on acorns and grasses in our open pastures. Due to its intense flavor combinations this product needs to be paired with a certain kind of Spanish wine that compliments all of these, keeping your palate clean and making you want to come back for another slice.
Spanish Wine – Young or Old?
The first thing to think of when you are trying to find that delicate harmony of flavors is to look at the age of your wine. An aged wine, although delicious with many other types of cuisine may not be your best bet here. When a wine has had time to develop a high tannin content, that intense body and bitterness in the wine could mask some of the more intricate flavors of the Ibérico Jamón and detract from the full experience.
Red vs White Wine
There isn’t any one perfect pairing of wine with Iberico jamón, many grape varieties have exceptional properties that evoke unique flavor experiences so it is important that you explore your own personal preferences and allow a little experimentation. That being said, we do have a few recommendations to point you in the right direction.
A young red wine is the traditional pairing with this cured meat, as it hasn’t yet developed the intense body of an aged wine and retains its vibrant fruity tones. Some Temperanillo or Rioja wines made with the Graciano grape ensure not to overpower the intricate flavors of the meat as well as giving a rounded finish in the mouth with vibrant and fruity tones. The Rioja region’s typical aging process in oak casks further complements the nuttiness of the ham.
The Perfect Spanish Wine Pairing for COVAP Iberico Jamón
As we move closer to the Summer months with temperatures starting to rise, it is only natural to crave a chilled wine. This National Wine Day we would recommend a 100% Albariño wine from the Rias Baixas region of Galicia in the north west region of Spain. Its balanced structure and well-integrated acidity would pair perfectly with the earthiness of a slice of Ibérico jamón.
The Rías Baixas wine country has become synonymous with the Albariño grape that has thrived in the wet climate and granite subsoils of the area, which are key to achieving the characteristic minerality of their wines. We appreciate this wine for its notes of citrus, white fruit aromas, and its saltiness with hints of smoke on the nose.
Served as cold as you can get it, this wine’s sharp acidity allows the silky taste of the jamón to sing and doesn’t interfere with its complexity. Each sip of Albariño cleanses the palate and allows for each slice to be enjoyed as it slowly melts on your tongue.
