Description

In the Philippines, Spain meets China in the kitchen!

Afritada comes from Spanish "a fritada", which means to fry.

But Chicken Afritada is not really fried, it is lightly browned and then braised in tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, sweet peas and sometimes sausages. An everyday meal, served with plain steamed rice.

This fusion chicken stew is not too spicy, and sort of sweet and sour.

Chicken Afritada best match is Sauvignon Blanc, especially from New Zealand. This wine has vegetable notes that work magically with the ingredients in the sauce and lot of acidity to please your palate.

In the mood for red wine? Perfect! Choose a red wine that does not overpower the white meat. I suggest grapes such Garnacha and Mencia from Spain: both fruit bombs and a lot of quality for the money.

White meat also pairs well with rosé wines and bubbles.

Go Local if You Can

Let local wines complement the flavors of local food.

Pairing local wine with local food will enhance the dining experience by harmonizing the characteristics of the wine with the ingredients and cooking styles of the region:

Terroir

The environmental factors, soil, climate, and topography, that influence the characteristics of a wine, represent the Wine Terroir of a region. The ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques represent the Cuisine Terroir.

Culture and Tradition

Local wines are deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of a region. Pairing them with local cuisine creates an authentic culinary experience. For example, if a region is known for its hearty, red meat dishes, a robust and full-bodied red wine from the region will enhance the dining experience.

Ask for Help

Let local chefs and winemakers collaborate to create innovative pairings that showcase the best of the region.

A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the meat for the best pairing experience.

Examples

Pairing Italian Chianti with traditional Tuscan dishes like Pasta with Ragu or Beef Fiorentina.

Enjoy a Red Burgundy with classic French dishes like coq au vin or boeuf Bourguignon.

Matching Spanish Rioja with Paella or Tempranillo with Tapas.