This Rosemary Roasted Almonds recipe is the perfect snack for a Spanish tapas party! It's flavored with herbs, smoked paprika, and lemon zest.

This post was sponsored by Wines of Garnacha but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

These Spanish Roasted Almonds were the perfect addition to the tapas party held in my front yard recently with some friends and neighbors.

Wine poured into a glass sitting on outdoor table setting.

I'm super excited to recently have discovered the wines of Garnacha (or Grenache as they are more commonly known in the United States). Garnacha/Grenache wines predominantly come from the eastern part of Spain and the south of France.

I'm familiar with Garnacha blends (my favorite is a Spanish blend that I always order when my husband and I go out for date night) but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these wines are coming of age as a varietal.

A new generation of winemakers in Spain and Roussilon, France have been taking the stage over the past generation and crafting wines that are expressive and well-balanced. I have to say - they're doing a good job. These wines are complex but very drinkable.

Stellar Mediterranean wines are best served in Mediterranean style - with quality food and conversation with quality people in a natural setting.

I love to enjoy Spanish wines with some flavorful tapas like these Smoky Roasted Almonds.

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What To Serve With Spanish Wine
How To Make Smoky Rosemary Roasted Almonds
What To Serve With Rosemary Roasted Almonds
How Long Do These Toasted Almonds Last?
Rosemary Roasted Almonds (Spanish Tapas)

Wine bottle on outdoor wooden table with ceramic bowl full of bread slices.

The areas in which Garnacha/Grenache are cultivated are know as Protected Designations of Origin. The PDO works directly with the European Union to make sure that strict quality standards are met and that the profiles of this varietal are raised.

Among the wines of Garnacha, this Las Moradas was a crowd favorite. It was light but complex, very drinkable, and paired well with our smoky toasted almonds. It started out light and little sweet and then ended on a smoky and slightly peppery note.

I highly recommend this wine for your next get-together!

Wine bottle on outdoor wooden table with bowl of toasted almonds.

It's super cool to learn that Grenache wines come from France as well as Spain. This white is from the Roussillon region of France. I generally lean more toward reds but this was so pleasant I couldn't help but enjoy it.

I'm trying to learn more about wine in general and it's fun to not only taste but experience the wine I'm drinking.

I've been roping a friend into teaching me the ways of wine and this one was interesting because the smell is sweet but the taste is more crisp, tart, and even a little vegetal.

I love when wines surprise you like that.

Wine poured into a glass on outdoor wooden table full of wine bottles.

What To Serve With Spanish Wine

This Particular from Spain was a welcome addition to the party. It's earthy, deep, and dark. We picked up the flavor of currants and dark berries.

There's a buttery quality at the start and a tartness at the end. I thought this one paired well with a creamy Brie cheese.

I tried to find some Spanish cheese, but hey, I live in a small town. Sometimes you just have to take what you can get.

I also decided that Garnacha/Grenache wine bottles have the coolest labels. Seriously, I'd buy these wines just for the labels!

Hand holding wine glass with red wine in outdoor setting.

Among the lighter of the Spanish reds was the El Circo. This one was quite a bit lighter than the others - both in taste and color.

There was a simplicity that made it very easy to drink and enjoy. There were flavors of melon.

This wine would be perfect for summer sipping.

Wine bottle on wooden table with bowl of olives and sliced bread.

To round things out we enjoyed a port from Roussillon. This one was a bit of a surprise. I generally don't drink much port wine so I was pretty blown away by the intense flavor.

It's definitely sweeter than the others. There was a heavy taste of molasses and dark cherry. There are also notes of caramel or burnt sugar. This one was a crowd pleaser!

Roasted toasted almonds on metal baking sheet with wooden spatula.

How To Make Smoky Rosemary Roasted Almonds

You can't throw a Mediterranean-style tapas party without tapas. Tapas are Spanish-style snacks or 'small plates' that are often served with wine. Tapas come in all shapes and forms - from dips to seafood to olives.

One of my favorites is spiced and toasted nuts. Toasted almonds to be exact. These Rosemary Roasted Almonds are downright addicting and incredibly easy to make.

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread 1 lb. (or 3 cups) of raw almonds on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 ½ tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Make sure the almonds are evenly coated in the oil.
Sprinkle 4 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the almonds. Toss to coat evenly.
Chop 2 tablespoon of fresh rosemary. Sprinkle the rosemary evenly over the almonds.
Zest 2 lemons over the almonds. Toss the almonds in the rosemary and lemon to coat.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon or so of salt over the almonds. Toss to coat.

Rosemary roasted almonds in serving bowl on towel.

What To Serve With Rosemary Roasted Almonds

Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast for 15 minutes. Shake the pan a few times to prevent almonds from burning.
Once almonds are toasted remove pan from oven and sprinkle with an additional ½ teaspoon or so of salt. Grate any remaining zest on top of almonds.
Allow almonds to cool slightly and serve.

These toasted almonds get their flavor from one of my all-time favorite spices - smoked paprika. It also gives them a beautiful red color. There are accents of fresh rosemary and lemon zest.

They're also a little salty because snacks that are served with booze need some salt.

Looking for more party appetizers and snacks? Don't miss these recipes!

Wine glasses used to toast in outdoor setting.

How Long Do These Toasted Almonds Last?

Any leftover toasted almonds should last 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Be sure to allow the almonds to cool completely before transferring to a container for storage.

I highly recommend grabbing a few friends and neighbors to sit down to some great Mediterranean wine and tapas. Who says you need a holiday or special occasion to indulge a little?

I've never been too into following the rules. I say if the mood strikes - drink some wine and talk about life!

If you like toasted nuts check out these Maple Spiced Roasted Nuts!

Love appetizers? Check out these recipes!

Looking For More Spanish Tapas? Don't Miss These Recipes!