Top 6 Wines to Pair with Jordanian Cuisine
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Time to read 3 min
Jordanian cuisine is part and parcel of a diverse and beautiful tapestry of the flavors of the Levant - a celebration of bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich culinary traditions. From the smoky allure of grilled meats to the comforting sweetness of knafeh, each dish tells a story steeped in the ancient history of our region. Adding the perfect wine to these flavors is uncommon, and yet once you try, you will find that it is intuitive, even divine. This region, after all, is the ancient birth place of vines and wine.
Here are the top six wines to pair with the Jordanian table , all available at the Dara Wine Shop in the heart of Amman.
1. Grenache & Syrah: The Perfect Blend to Match Shawarma
Shawarma, with its layers of spiced and marinated meat, is a street food favorite in Jordan. The bold yet balanced flavors of Grenache blended with Syrah, gives us the bright red fruit from Grenache and the spice from the Syrah. The wine’s additional kick of tannins from the Syrah gives the beautiful melts away with the lamb.
Recommended Pairing: Chateau Pech-Latt Les Terres Mures 2018
2. Barbera: A Subtle Match for Eggplant Maqluba
Maqluba (or up-side down) is a layered dish of rice, vegetables, and meat. In it’s most popular form, it is made with fried eggplants and lamb spiced with a traditional spice mix including allspice, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. For a wine pairing that doesn’t overpower this dish, an Italian oaked Barbera, with its ripe red fruits, sweet spices perfectly complement the spice profile of the Maqlubeh. On the palate, the typical acidity of Barbera perfectly balanced with soft tannins cuts through the meat without overpowering the eggplants.
Recommended Pairing: Crissante Barbera D'Asti Superiore Rugé 2018
3. Malbec: Perfect for Grilled Meats and Kebabs (Mashawi)
Malbec is a bold red wine with rich, dark fruit flavors, and a smooth, tannic structure that makes it an excellent choice to pair with grilled meats, including kebabs (Mashawi). The smoky, charred flavor from grilling complements Malbec’s deep fruit profile, while the wine's acidity helps to balance the richness of the meats.
Recommended Pairing: Alta Vista Vive Malbec 2023
4. Tempranillo from Ribera: Ideal for Spiced Kofta
Kofta often features a blend of herbs, onions, and warm spices. Tempranillo’s from Ribera are blended with French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and aged in new oak giving them even more tannins and spice. The red fruit flavors, tannins, earthiness and spice make these wines a great match. Its balance of acidity and richness complements the spices, while its versatility stands up to the dish’s hearty texture.
Recommended Pairing: Montecastro 2021 Ribera del Duero
5. Albariño: A Refreshing Choice for Stuffed Grape Leaves (Waraq Enab)
The history of Waraq Enab or Dawali is a much debated, with Greeks, Turks, Persians and Arabs staking claims. We are thankful to whomever decided to stuff grape leaves, as it is central to every Jordanian home’s repertoire, combining rice, meat, and herbs in a tangy grape leaf wrapper and normally accompanied by stuffed zucchini. A crisp, high-acidity white wine, such as an Albariño, pairs wonderfully with the dish’s zesty and herbal flavors, enhancing its refreshing qualities.
Recommended Pairing: Columna Albarino 2020
6. Sauternes: A Luxurious Pairing for Knafeh
Knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, combines sweet, stretchy nabulsieh cheese with crispy shredded phyllo pastry and a drizzle of sugar syrup with a touch of orange blossom water. A Sauternes, with its sweetness, bright acidity and floral notes, provides the perfect counterpart: the perfect amount of sweetness with a pop of acid. The acid balances the dessert’s richness, while enhancing its floral and nutty flavors.
Recommended Pairing: Lions de Suduiraut 2016
Exploring Jordanian Cuisine with Wine
Pairing wine with our cuisine is an invitation to explore and rediscover ancient dimensions of the bounty of our land – for what better beverage to have with stuffed vine leaves than the bounty of the vines! Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these wine suggestions can enhance our appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions. Visit Dara Wine Shop in Amman to discover these wines and more, and embark on a journey that marries the best of food and wine.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, consider the dominant flavors in your dish and choose a wine that complements or contrasts them. Bold dishes typically pair well with bold wines, while lighter dishes shine alongside more delicate selections.
With the right wine, every meal transforms into a journey of flavors and shared experiences. Here's to discovering your perfect pairing!
Dara Arabic Food and Wine Pairing Tasting Class
Join our Dara Arabic Food and Wine Pairing Tasting Class and embark on a sensory journey to explore the rich flavors of Jordanian cuisine alongside carefully selected wines. This class invites you to discover the ancient traditions of our land, where the bounty of local ingredients meets the artistry of wine pairing.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of wine, you'll learn how to enhance the flavors of traditional dishes and uncover the hidden dimensions of Jordanian culinary heritage.
