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Legumes Can Also Be Drunk: Key Tips for Pairing Them with Wine

04/02/2026 Pairings
Legumes Can Also Be Drunk: Key Tips for Pairing Them with Wine

Rarely are they warmly welcomed at the table, yet whether one likes them or not, legumes always hold a special place. After centuries as a staple in our cuisine, chickpeas, beans, and lentils are a true delicacy in any of their forms, capable of pairing with a wide variety of wines. Indeed, as you read. Those lentils from your grandmother or your mother's chickpeas are perfectly complemented by a fine wine selection.

Indeed, as you read it. Those lentils from your grandmother or your mother's chickpeas can be elevated with various options that will enhance their flavour and nuances. As with everything in life, success or failure depends on the company; so stay with us in this article where we reveal the finest wines to pair with your legume dishes.

Red Wine: Your Best Ally

When it comes to legumes, especially those cooked in hearty stews, red wine is often the best choice. However, not just any red will do. You must consider the main accompaniment of your dish. Young and juicy reds pair perfectly with a good legume and vegetable stew, while bottles with more ageing are particularly suited to stews featuring meat, chorizo, bacon, and robust ingredients. Nevertheless, let's not forget the seafood version of these dishes, where flavourful and robust whites are also welcome, surprising all diners.

Viña Zorzal Garnacha 2024

 We recommend Viña Zorzal Garnacha 2024, an aromatic, flavourful, and fresh red that proves a wine doesn't have to be expensive to be excellent.

Lentils with Chorizo: A Classic That Never Fails

Lentils are probably one of the most versatile legumes you can find. Whether with vegetables or the most savoury chorizo, in any of its versions, lentils always appreciate wines that do not overwhelm the main flavour. As always: the accompaniment dictates. If we're talking about vegetables, opt for a young and juicy red; if, on the other hand, the strong and unctuous flavour of chorizo is the star of every spoonful, it's better to choose a more structured red.

Borsao Tres Picos 2023
 For such occasions, Borsao Tres Picos 2023 is the perfect choice. And it's not just us saying it. The publication Wine Spectator included this single-varietal Garnacha in its list of the world's top 100 wines. Its deep cherry red colour, intense nose of cherries and strawberries, and the spices in its flavour attest to this.

Beans: Elegance in Every Spoonful

If there is a legume that epitomises delicacy and the most exclusive flavour, it is the bean. With a buttery texture and a very delicate flavour, this legume is always a winning choice that never disappoints. In the case of Asturian fabada, with chorizo, black pudding, and shoulder of pork, reds remain the safe bet. However, as mentioned, the scenario changes when we move to seafood, such as beans with clams, where any structured and vibrant white, including a great saline touch, will be the perfect companion to this dish. Remember that a white aged on lees can be the best option.

Clio 2022 If you are not yet familiar with the DO Jumilla, we assure you there is no better introduction than this blend of Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cocoa, coffee, liquorice, and a balsamic and mineral background will captivate you instantly.
Alba Martín 2024. The youthful and fresh character of this white will enchant you in every pairing of this kind you undertake with it. Your palate will be refreshed by the acidity and freshness of this Albariño, which holds within it all the strength of the Atlantic.

Chickpeas with Prawns: The Best of Both Worlds

Contrast is always a good incentive. And this dish couldn't ask for more!: the robustness of the chickpea and the intense flavour of the prawn blend perfectly in a dish that works especially well with powerful whites, full-bodied, barrel-fermented, and with extended ageing.

Pazo Señorans Tras Los Muros 2019.

 Albariños are wines typically enjoyed in their youth. However, there are also some with extended ageing, such as this Pazo Señorans Tras Los Muros 2019, which, with 15 months in barrel, showcases the most intriguing and mature version of this variety.

Legumes in Salads and Chips: The Usual but in a New Format

Nowadays, legumes are also evolving in their presentation. Whether in salads or as crispy chips, the pairing becomes more relaxed and informal. As such, it should be complemented with light wines, refreshing and very easy to drink, like a rosé perfect for appetisers without stealing the spotlight.

Gran Caus Rosado 2024
 Gran Caus Rosado is one of those wines that will change your perception of rosés. This single-varietal Merlot showcases the freshest and most structured facet of this variety, grown in three different estates of the DO Penedès.

Because pairing legumes with wine is more than just a simple pairing: it's a way to pair traditional dishes with a fresh perspective. All it takes is to observe the ingredients, the intensity of the stew, and its texture to find the right companion. Enjoy!

Mila

Mila Alarcón

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