Valentine’s Day is upon us, and there is no better way to woo your special someone than through their taste buds. The romantic dining possibilities are endless, whether you take your valentine out or cook up a delicious dinner at home. But no matter where you dine, there’s no better way to start off your Valentine’s Day dinner than with luxurious Spanish snacks.
Why? Spain is such a romantic country! From beautiful flamenco music to those charming cobblestone streets, it’s a place where anyone can be wooed. And that sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of romance translates into the food as well. So when you start off your romantic meal, add a bit of Spanish flair with some of the best products from the country: acorn-fed Iberian charcuterie.
A Trio of Iconic Ibéricos
There are so many varieties of cured Iberian meats and each has their own unique flavor. But if you want to really show your valentine how special they are to you, these are some of the best to serve.
Jamón Ibérico
Dry-cured acorn-fed 100% Ibérico pork ham is the key to any heart. It’s the most elegant of all the Spanish cured meats and is sure to impress that special someone. Jamón has the perfect amount of silky-smooth fat and a rich, earthy flavor that sets it apart from every other style of charcuterie in the world.
Chorizo
Dry-cured acorn-fed Ibérico chorizo is full of smoky Spanish paprika. It’s ruby-red hues add a beautiful pop to the charcuterie board, as well as bold flavors that even add some spice to your pre-dinner appetizers.
Salchichón
Dry-cured acorn-fed Ibérico salami (or salchichón as we call it), is another style of Iberian charcuterie that works perfectly in a Valentine’s Day spread. It’s flecked with black peppercorns, offering just a little bite to contrast the richness from the nutty pork.
A Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing
You could totally impress your valentine with nothing but a perfectly crafted Spanish charcuterie board, but this romantic holiday isn’t complete without a great wine pairing. Many people often associate red meat like pork with bold red wines, but dry-cured acorn-fed meats like jamón Ibérico, chorizo, and salami (salchichón) actually pair beautifully with the most celebratory of wines: bubbles!
Champagne is a classic Valentine’s Day treat, but since you’ll be serving Spanish food, we definitely recommend a bottle of Cava instead. Cava and Champagne are made using similar methods, just in different regions and using different grape varietals.
The oils and salts of the cured meats blend beautifully with a sparkling wine like Cava, especially a dry variety. And some of those yeasty aromas can really balance out the acidity of a good bottle. It’s the perfect pairing for your evening.
So when it’s time to treat your valentine (or for any other special occasion), head down to your neighborhood wine shop and find the best bottle of Cava you can find to pair with your Iberian treats. You’ll really channel some of that Spanish romance.
