Tapas wines
Perfect for accompanying Spanish small bites
Thomas J. Story
Spain has more vineyard land than any other country in the world. From the mountains in the north to the sun-drenched coasts of the south, vines flourish virtually everywhere. As a result, wine drinking is an inescapable part of Spanish culture ― a part Spaniards are passionate about.
With tapas, almost any Spanish wine will do, though the Spaniards themselves tend to drink the great classics: soft, sensual red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero; the snappy white wine known as Albariño from Galicia; cava, Spain’s sparkling wine; plus a wonderful assortment of spicy rosés (called rosados in Spain), especially from the province of Navarra.
But no wine epitomizes tapas more than sherry. I know ― you’re thinking: Sherry? Unfortunately, most of us have never tasted the great sherries of Spain (which bear no resemblance to the cheap stuff). But now’s the time to change that. Try a rich, nutty oloroso sherry with the honeyed figs and serrano ham on nut bread. Just one sip and one bite, and you’ll think you’re in Spain itself.
