Recipes & Pairings
BEST RIOJA PAIRINGS FOR BROWNIES
While Chicago being the birthplace of brownies isn’t 100% verifiable, the fact that they were meant for two styles of Rioja reds is. While many rich, fruit-forward Rioja reds pair well with brownies, these two distinctive styles will satisfy a sweet tooth especially well.
For a pairing that makes brownies even more decadent, choose a smooth, full-bodied Rioja Reserva.
Ripe dark-fruit flavors complement the chocolate, while notes of vanilla, toast, and baking spice add depth to every fudgy bite. This pairing is especially delicious with dark-chocolate brownies, whose deeper cocoa flavor can stand up to the wine’s body and complexity.
The bright red fruit of a fresh, medium-bodied Rioja Garnacha puts an especially lively cherry on top of brownies. Flavors such as cherry and raspberry provide a vibrant contrast to the rich chocolate, while fresh acidity and silky tannins bring everything into delicious balance.
With so many delicious variations, brownies present plenty of delectable opportunities to uncork a bottle in either of these beloved Rioja styles.
Rioja Reserva: smooth and full-bodied, with ripe dark fruit, vanilla, and baking spice that add depth to dark-chocolate brownies.
Rioja Garnacha: fresh and medium-bodied, with bright cherry and raspberry notes that bring rich, fudgy brownies into delicious balance.
