When it comes to enjoying great-value Rioja wines, celebrity chef José Pizarro has curated a week’s worth of delectable dishes from his restaurants. This selection pairs seven affordable Rioja selections with signature meals, promising to elevate your dining experience from Monday through Sunday.
Monday
Dish: Tortilla from José Tapas
Wine Pairing: CVNE, Asúa Reserva 2020
Start your week with a comforting classic: the tortilla de patatas, celebrated in Pizarro’s tapas bar. This dish pairs seamlessly with CVNE’s Asúa Reserva, an oak-aged red that combines structured freshness with lively fruit notes.
Tuesday
Dish: Courgette Carpaccio from Lolo
Wine Pairing: Ramón Bilbao, Rosado 2025
On Tuesday, enjoy Lolo’s refined courgette carpaccio, dressed with pine nuts and slow-roasted tomatoes. Pair it with Ramón Bilbao’s garnacha-based rosé, which provides a refreshing complement to the dish’s flavor profile.
Wednesday
Dish: Gamba Blanca al Ajillo con Huevos Rotos from Pizarro
Wine Pairing: Cosme Palacio, Glorioso Blanco 2024
Midweek calls for heartiness. This dish, featuring prawns sautéed in garlic and served with fried eggs, matches well with the vibrant Glorioso Blanco, enhancing the dish’s comforting and authentic flavors.
Thursday
Dish: Mediterranean Red Prawn Carpaccio from Lolo
Wine Pairing: Muga, Rosado 2025
As the weekend nears, keep it light but sophisticated with a prawn carpaccio. Pair it with Muga’s rosado, which beautifully enhances the dish’s fresh, delicate taste.
Friday
Dish: Clams & Fino Sherry from José Tapas
Wine Pairing: Montecillo, On the QT Bin 37 2024
Ease into the weekend with Pizarro’s clams cooked in a fino-based sauce. They’re best enjoyed alongside the structured and complex Montecillo, crafted from Garnacha Blanca.
Saturday
Dish: Carabinero Rice from Pizarro
Wine Pairing: La Rioja Alta, Viña Alberdi Selección Especial 2021
Take Saturday to savor indulgence with a dish of carabinero rice, paired with La Rioja Alta’s elegant and well-structured red, which balances the richness of the seafood.
Sunday
Dish: Marinated Pork Fillet from Lolo
Wine Pairing: Faustino, I Gran Reserva 2016
End the week with a special marinated pork fillet, reflecting the time-consuming art of marination. Complement it with Faustino I, a Gran Reserva, which has aged beautifully and harmonizes with the dish’s earthy flavors.
This culinary journey showcases Pizarro’s expertise in pairing traditional Spanish cuisine with approachable Rioja wines, inviting you to explore and recreate these experiences at home.