What is a Porrón? - All You Need to Know
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Time to read: 2 min
A porrón is a traditional Spanish wine vessel made of glass or ceramic, known for its distinctive shape: a rounded base with a long spout for pouring.
Originating in Catalonia, the porrón allows people to share drinks without touching their lips to the vessel. It's an iconic symbol of Spanish communal dining and requires skill to pour wine without spilling.
Historically used for wine, it is now also used to serve other drinks at restaurants and gatherings.
Although its use has declined, the porrón remains a unique representation of Spanish drinking culture.
How to Use and Drink Out of a Spanish Porrón
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To use a porrón, follow these 6 simple steps:
- Hold the porrón by the long handle with one hand, with the spout facing away from you.
- Tilt your head back slightly and bring the spout to your mouth without touching your lips.
- Slowly tilt the porrón so that a thin stream of liquid comes out.
- Extend your arm as you pour, moving the porrón further away while maintaining the flow.
- Control the flow by adjusting the tilt and your mouth to avoid spilling.
- Finish by quickly tilting the porrón upright to stop the flow.
Practice makes perfect, so be prepared to spill a little at first (yes, we did)!
Do You Only Drink Red Wine With Porrón?
No, you don't just drink red wine with a porrón. Although red wine is the most common, you can also fill it with white wine, rosé, cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or even other drinks such as beer or cider.
In some Catalan restaurants we visited, a smaller porrón is often used for sweet dessert wines and even water, making it versatile for different drinks.
How to Clean a Porrón
Follow these 6 simple steps to clean your Porrón:
- Rinse with warm water: Immediately after use, rinse the porrón in warm water to remove any wine residue.
- Add cleaning solution: Fill the porrón halfway with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap or a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Gently swirl: Cover the spout and opening with your hands and gently swirl the solution inside to clean the inside surfaces.
- Use a bottle brush: If necessary, use a long, flexible bottle brush to scrub the inside, especially around the spout.
- Rinse thoroughly: Drain the solution and rinse the porrón several times with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue.
- Air dry: Turn the porrón upside down to air dry completely before storing.
Where to buy a Porrón
If you're looking for a great gift, check out online retailers like Amazon or La Tienda for a variety of porróns.
For those who love unique finds, we highly recommend visiting local Spanish markets or speciality shops. However, if you're a wine lover, some vinotecas may offer porróns as a charming souvenir.
Porróns come in a variety of sizes and materials, with prices ranging from €4.45 for smaller, basic versions to around €15 for larger or more unique designs. A standard 1 litre glass porrón usually costs between €8 and €14, depending on the shop and design.
Packs of several porróns, especially rustic or artisan versions, can cost between €35 and €60. If you're looking for a unique or vintage porrón, prices can go much higher, with some collectors' pieces going for over €150!
Shipping costs vary, but usually range from €3.60 to over €12, depending on the retailer.
