Discover the Perfect Food Pairings: José Pizarro’s Culinary Adventure with Marqués de Vargas Wines

Daydreaming about life in Spain? For me, that dream is served on a plate at José Pizarro’s restaurants in London. Pizarro has been sprinkling his Spanish magic in London for nearly 25 years with spots like José, Lolo, and Pizarro on Bermondsey Street and, more recently, The Swan in Esher, which brings his cooking style to a modern country pub atmosphere.

I had the pleasure of visiting The Swan Inn for a special event featuring Pizarro and Marqués de Vargas, a renowned Rioja wine producer. This collaboration showcased a delightful six-course meal for about 40 guests. During this culinary journey, Pizarro shared his passion for Spanish wines and cuisines, emphasizing his many visits to wineries and how he champions these flavors in the UK.

Marqués de Vargas, established in 1840 and now in its fourth generation, has a rich history in wine making. They constructed a winery in 1989 to produce wines directly from their estate’s vineyards located near Logroño. The company also includes other notable wineries, enhancing its reputation on the Spanish wine scene.

To kick off the evening, we enjoyed the vibrant *Flamingo Rosé 2021* from Conde de San Cristóbal. This 100% Tempranillo rose bursts with strawberry and cherry flavors. According to Diana Fernández, the export manager for Marqués de Vargas, 2021 was a “dream vintage.” This refreshing wine pairs well with light appetizers, like our spicy crab tartlets, presenting the ideal balance of flavors.

Next up was fire-roasted artichoke with romesco and allioli, perfectly complemented by a glass of *Pazo de San Mauro Albariño 2024*. This white wine, with its floral and salty notes, adds zest to the dish. The high acidity and ripe fruit note create a wonderful harmony, enhancing the creamy richness of the romesco sauce.

One course raised eyebrows at our table: a wild seabass carpaccio paired with the oaked *Marqués de Vargas Reserva 2019*. While some thought the fish could better suit an Albariño, we found it surprisingly harmonious, with the pink peppercorns heightening the Rioja’s fruitiness against the citrus dressing.

As a standout, we savored a baked scallop, dressed with garlic and parsley, paired with *Sanamaro Sobre Lías 2021*. The lees aging and unique fermentation process offered a rich texture that perfectly complemented the subtle flavors of the scallop.

The main dish featured a tender suckling lamb leg with seasonal vegetables and a flavorful jus. This was served with the *Reserva Especial Conde de San Cristóbal 2018*, which deepened the dish’s richness and showcased the wine’s complexity. The grapes come from old vines at high altitudes, producing an intensely fruity Tempranillo.

Finishing our meal was goat’s cheese ice cream with walnut crumble and PX reduction, partnered with *Marqués de Vargas Hacienda Pradolagar 2018*. This wine, made from old vines, is a gem of the vineyard. With its deep cherry flavors and elegant structure, it’s a wine to savor for years to come.

As the night wrapped up, guests crowded around to meet Pizarro and Fernández, celebrating an evening filled with delectable food and wine. It’s clear that Marqués de Vargas is committed to success and seeks wider distribution across the UK, further introducing their quality wines to new audiences.

With events like these, it’s easy to see why Spanish cuisine and wines are thriving in London. They bridge the gap between culinary passion and cultural connection, one dish at a time.

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José Pizarro ,Marqués de Vargas ,Ellie Scott ,Swan Inn,Rioja