Host a Tapas Party
Spanish tapas are all the rage, so why not treat your guests to an array of these little bites with matching wines? Some of our favorite pairings:
Manchego cheese: This slightly piquant sheep’s milk cheese is Spain’s most famous, and for good reason. Enjoy some with a jammy Ribera del Duero, such as a 2003 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero Tinto.
Picon cheese: Spread this creamy blue cheese on triangles of fig bread—the sweetness of the fruit mellows the heat of the cheese. A big, bold red from Spain’s Priorat region stands up to the intense flavors. One to try: 2005 Pasanau Germans Ceps Nous Priorat.
Cuquillo olives: If you thought Spanish olives were those bland green things in a jar, think again. Head over to the olive bar for some of these delicately flavored dark-purple treats. Paired with sips of Spanish sherry, the taste leans toward divine. One to try: Hidalgo NV La Gitana Manzanilla.
Serrano ham: Serve this thinly sliced dry-cured ham on its own, or spread with Miticrema—sheep’s milk cream cheese—and roll up pinwheel-style for something fancier. Serve with a crisp, sparkly Spanish Cava to cut through the richness. One to try: Cristalino NV Brut Cava.
Spicy chorizo sausage: Serve bites of this smoky, spicy Spanish mainstay cold, or fry them in a pan with a touch of olive oil for a hot appetizer. Enjoy with a fruity Tempranillo, such as a 2005 Vina Gormaz Tempranillo from Duero, Spain.
For more ideas, check out the Tapas Deck by Jose Andres.
