3 Perfect Spanish Wines to Complement…A Light Lunch

What could be better, a beautifully made light lunch and a glass of perfectly matched Spanish wine to bring out the flavor of the fresh ingredients on your plate? At Ataula, we’re passionate about Spanish wines and, like most Spaniards, we believe that Spain produces some of the very finest wines in the world. And we’re not alone. Spanish wine is growing in popularity all over the world, from an emerging taste for sparkling Spanish Cava, to critical acclaim for the country’s rich riojas.

Today we’re going to recommending some gorgeous wines to pair with your light lunch…

A tapas lunch with a rich Garnacha

More commonly known as Grenache, Garnacha is now the most widely planted grape variety in Spain. Wines featuring this grape typically open powerfully, with strong notes of rich ripe cherries and candied fruits. Though gently spiced and heavy bodied, these wines finish with a soft, velvety feel - a perfect balance and a gorgeous, rich taste journey.

This fruity, complicated wine works perfectly with the strong, varied flavors of a tapas lunch. The wine is versatile enough to hold it’s own alongside lighter tastes from artisanal Spanish cheeses and traditional dishes like patatas bravas, but powerful enough to keep up with strong, meaty and salty flavors from tapa featuring chorizo, olives and Serrano ham. Enjoy a glass with a traditional tapas selection for a palate-tantalising light lunch.

A light salad with a fresh Rosado

Rosé wines are not at their most fashionable right now, but Spanish Rosado is enjoying something of a resurgence in the wine world. The Spanish twist on pink wine doesn’t feature the overpowering medium-sweetness of many rosés, instead offering a dry, bright and pleasingly fruity flavor.

Rosado Wine

Slightly tangy and beautifully fresh, Rosado is the perfect accompaniment to a light lunchtime salad – particularly one full of delicious Spanish ingredients including fresh seafood, mild cheeses and chorizo. We love a glass (or two) of Spanish Rosado over our Remolacha y Queso Fresco (pickled beets, organic greens, Spanish goat cheese, walnuts, Asian pear & kale chips). Scrumptious!

A seafood platter with a tangy white Rioja

You will no doubt have opened a bottle of red Rioja before, but white Rioja grapes also create a delicious Spanish wine. Modern white Riojas are heady, tangily spiced and almost creamy in flavor, making them the perfect accompaniment to delicious Spanish seafood dishes.

Why not indulge in a cold glass of white Rioja to complement both our delicious salt cod fritters with piquillo alioli and our very special calamares negros (calamari doughnuts, squid ink & tarragon sauce). Choose a barrel-fermented style to enjoy the full, light flavorfulness of this sometimes unpredictable wine, but watch out for an occasional woody note.

Whether you love a traditional red Rioja or adore a Tempranillo, there’s no need to take a Spanish sojourn to enjoy true Iberian flavor. Reserve a table for a light lunch at Ataula in Portland to sample delicious ingredients paired with gorgeous Spanish wines. Call our Portland restaurant on (503) 894-8904 to book your table today.