Black truffles are among the most prized ingredients in world gastronomy, and the Aragon region is renowned for its high-quality black truffle production. But that's not all; this region also boasts several wine appellations of origin, offering a wide variety of wines that pair perfectly with black truffles. In this blog, we'll discuss the different wines with Aragon's designation of origin and how they can be combined with Aragon's black truffles .
Black truffle from Aragon and wine with the Somontano Designation of Origin
We begin with the Somontano Designation of Origin, located in the province of Huesca. This wine-growing region is known for producing high-quality white and red wines. Somontano white wines are fresh, fruity, and have a balanced acidity, making them an excellent choice for pairing with lighter black truffle dishes such as salads or pasta. Somontano red wines are intense and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruit and spices. They are a good choice for pairing with more robust black truffle dishes, such as red meat or stews.
There are some wines that stand out when paired with black truffles. One of them is the red wine "Enate Reserva Especial," made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes. This wine has great aging potential, making it ideal for pairing with black truffle dishes, such as risotto or fresh pasta.
Another Somontano wine recommended to pair with black truffles is the red “Viñas del Vero Secastilla,” made with Garnacha and Parraleta grapes. This medium-bodied wine has notes of red fruit and spices that complement the earthy flavors of the black truffle very well.
Although it is not common to pair rosé wines with black truffle, “Lágrimas de Obergo” is a rosé from Bodegas de Obergo, with a floral and mineral touch reminiscent of raspberry that can pair very well with black truffle.
Black truffle and wine with the Calatayud Designation of Origin
Another designation of origin in Aragon is Calatayud, located in the province of Zaragoza. Calatayud wines are primarily red, produced from the Garnacha grape, although some white and rosé wines are also made. Calatayud red wines are medium to full-bodied, with balanced acidity and notes of red fruit and spices. They are a good choice to pair with more intense black truffle dishes , such as red meats or game stews.
The red wines of the Calatayud Designation of Origin are well known for their fruity character and smooth mouthfeel. Some of the red wines that pair well with black truffles are those made with Garnacha and Syrah grape varieties, which typically have spicy and toasty notes that complement the earthy flavor of the truffle beautifully.
In the Calatayud Designation of Origin, the red wine “Bodegas Breca Garnacha Viejas” stands out. This full-bodied wine boasts an intense and concentrated flavor that perfectly complements the complex tastes of black truffle. Made with Garnacha grapes from old vines, it possesses a unique character and excellent aging potential.
Another red wine with the Calatayud Designation of Origin that pairs very well is “Roque Colás,” produced by Colás Viticultores in Alhama de Aragón. Made with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Garnacha grapes, it has mineral, balsamic, roasted, and spicy aromas, along with an intense fruit flavor that develops upon aeration, making it perfect for pairing with red meat dishes, chocolate, and cheeses with black truffle .
Although the Calatayud Designation of Origin primarily produces red wines, it also boasts some interesting white wines that pair well with black truffles. One example is the white wine made with the Macabeo grape variety, which typically has fruity and floral notes that complement the intense flavor of fresh black truffles beautifully.
White wine acts as a perfect complement to black truffle, softening its earthy flavor and highlighting its more subtle and delicate notes. Furthermore, dry white wines have an acidity that helps cut through the richness of the creamier dishes that often accompany black truffle.
Black truffle and wine with DO Campo de Borja
Campo de Borja is another wine-producing region in Aragon, located in the same province as Calatayud, Zaragoza. This area is known for producing red wines from the Garnacha grape, characterized by their full body and intense fruit flavor.
The Campo de Borja Designation of Origin boasts the red wine “Borsao Tres Picos,” one of the region's most renowned wines. Made with Garnacha grapes from old vines, this wine has an intense, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of black truffle.
“Alto Moncayo” is another wine from Campo de Borja, a single-varietal red wine made from Garnacha grapes, from vines between 40 and 70 years old, which has a remarkable complexity on the nose, with aromas of black fruit, balsamic and toasted notes, making it perfect for pairing.
Although black truffles are typically paired with red wines, some white wines also work very well. In the Campo de Borja DO, white wines made with the Macabeo variety stand out, often boasting fresh and floral notes. One example is the “Bodegas Borsao Blanco Selección,” a wine with notes of pear, apple, and white flowers that pairs beautifully with light truffle dishes such as salads or carpaccio.
Rosé wines aren't the most common choice for pairing with black truffles, but some can be a good option if you want to try something different. Rosés from the Campo de Borja DO are usually fresh and aromatic, so they can be a good choice. The "Borsao Rosado Selección" is a wine with red fruit and floral notes that pairs very well with black truffles.
Black truffle and Cariñena wine
The Cariñena Designation of Origin, also located in the province of Zaragoza, is known for producing red wines from the Cariñena grape (also known as Mazuelo). These wines are typically full-bodied and have an intense, spicy flavor.
The Cariñena grape, from which this designation of origin takes its name, is a highly valued indigenous variety in the region, used to produce full-bodied and structured red wines. These wines typically have notes of ripe red fruit, spices, and hints of oak, making them ideal for food pairing.
Another native variety of the region is Garnacha, which is used to produce smooth and elegant red wines with notes of red fruit and spice. Garnacha wines are generally less tannic than Cariñena wines, making them a good choice for milder dishes featuring fresh black truffle.
In the Cariñena Designation of Origin, one of the wines recommended to pair with black truffles is the red wine “Pago de Valcaliente,” a full-bodied wine with an intense flavor and notes of red fruit, vanilla, and spices. This wine is made with Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Although not native to the region, Chardonnay is increasingly being cultivated in the Cariñena DO to produce high-quality white wines. These wines often have notes of tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla from oak aging, making them a good choice for more intense black truffle dishes.
Black truffle and Pago de Aylés wine
Finally, we have the Vino de Pago de Aylés designation of origin, located in the province of Teruel. This wine-growing region primarily produces red wines from Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes. Pago de Aylés wines are intense and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruit and spices. They are a good choice to pair with richer black truffle dishes.
“Tinto Pago de Aylés” is a wine made with Garnacha and Syrah grapes that has an intense and concentrated flavor that balances beautifully with the earthy notes of black truffle. This wine is ideal for pairing with dishes such as risotto or game.
Remember that, while these wines can pair beautifully with black truffles, the choice of wine will largely depend on the dish featuring the fresh truffle, as well as each diner's personal preferences. It's best to experiment with different combinations to find the one you like best. If you love food and wine, you simply must try this delicious and sophisticated pairing. You can buy fresh black truffles at Sentidos Truferos and create your own combinations!
