Mexican cuisine is one of the most beloved, vibrant, and varied cuisines in the world – and it’s no surprise that many of us enjoy exploring new ingredients, flavors, and dishes.
But have you ever wondered what would be the best wine to pair with a Mexican meal?
The perfect combination of food and wine can create an unforgettable experience; however, picking out a delicious bottle isn’t always easy.
So, what wine goes with Mexican food?
The best types of white wine to pair with Mexican food are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, and Albariño. These wines provide a crisp balance to the spice and heat in Mexican dishes. For reds, go for light-bodied varieties such as Cinsault or Garnacha.
In this article, we will explore all aspects of pairing wines with Mexican Food, from how to choose complementary flavors to what type of glassware should be used.
We’ll provide you with our top tips for finding delicious combinations that everyone at your table will love!
So let’s get started – it’s time to embark on an adventure into the wonderful world of Mexican Food Wine Pairing!
Why Consider Serving Wine With Mexican Food?
Pairing wine with Mexican food is so much more than just adding alcohol to the meal.
It’s an opportunity to experience the best of both worlds – pairing wines that bring out flavors in a dish can elevate your dining experience and make it truly memorable.
In addition to being delicious, Mexican dishes are renowned for their complexity and range of flavors.
If you’re looking for something special to serve at your next Mexican dinner party, consider going beyond traditional beers or margaritas and explore some unique wine pairings instead!
From light whites that complement seafood dishes, to spicy reds that bring out the flavor of chiles or mole sauces – there’s no shortage of exciting options when it comes to choosing wines for Mexican dinners.
The key is knowing which bottles will enhance the meal rather than detract from it.
The Best Red Wines For Mexican Food
Red wines are a great complement to Mexican dishes, as the bold tannins and acidic notes can cut through the spice of Mexican food.
For red wines, try lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay, which will pair well with seafood and milder dishes. Medium-bodied reds such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well with spicier dishes such as chorizo tacos or mole enchiladas.
Or opt for a full-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah for hearty beefy dishes and pork carnitas. For smokier flavors of Mexican cuisine, look to Spanish Tempranillo—a classic pairing!
The Best White Wines For Mexican Food
Mexican food can be very complex in flavor, which makes white wines an ideal choice for pairing. A good rule of thumb is to pair light with light and strong with strong, so it’s important to consider the type of dishes you’ll be serving when choosing a wine.
For starters, fruity white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio have enough acidity to cut through spicy foods. Riesling also pairs well with Mexican cuisine as its sweetness helps balance out spice levels.
Chardonnay is another great option for pairing with Mexican food because it has flavors such as oak, butter, and vanilla that complement many Mexican dishes. Chenin Blanc is also a great choice thanks to its subtle flavors of fruit and honey that pair nicely with spices like cumin and chili powder found in many Mexican recipes.
The Best Rosé Wines For Mexican Food
Rosé wines are a great accompaniment to Mexican food. The light, fruity flavors of rosé pair perfectly with the often spicy and flavorful dishes common in Mexican cuisine.
Popular light-bodied rosés from France include Tavel and Bandol, while some popular Spanish rosés include Finca De Valsonio and Bodegas Manzanos Pinot Noir Rosado. For an American-made option, look no further than the Sokol Blosser Evolution.
The beauty of pairing wine with Mexican food is that you can be as adventurous or conservative as you like when it comes to selecting your bottle of choice. Opt for something expressive like a floral Gewurztraminer or classic Cabernet Sauvignon if you’re looking for something heavier or more structured!
Other Wines To Pair With Mexican Dishes
If you want to bring something a bit different and unusual to your Mexican dinner, there are some other wine options that can really work. You don’t have to stick with the traditional reds, whites, and roses if you don’t want to.
Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava tend to be refreshing and they pair well with most Mexican dishes. Sparkling wines are especially good for serving with dishes that contain more acidic ingredients like lime juice or tomatoes.
Sweet wines such as Moscato, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer also go well with spicy foods, particularly when served chilled. They can help balance out the heat of spicy dishes in a very different way than red wine does.
Finally, fortified wines such as Sherry or Port make interesting choices too – try them served slightly chilled alongside sweet desserts like flan or sopapillas!
5 Tips For Picking The Right Wine For Mexican Dinners
If you’re looking to pair the perfect wine with your Mexican dinner, here are five tips to help:
- Consider the flavors of the dish – When picking out a wine for Mexican food, consider the flavors and spices in your dish. For example, if your meal has bold red chilies or hot sauce, you may want to opt for a sweeter white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer so that it balances out the spicy notes.
- Look at what type of meat is featured – Wine pairing can also be determined by what type of meat is featured. Select a medium-bodied red such as Merlot if beef is on the menu and light-bodied whites like Pinot Grigio go well with lighter meats such as fish and chicken dishes.
- Consider using sparkling wines – Sparkling wines are often overlooked but they can make great companions to Mexican cuisine because their effervescence helps cut through rich sauces and creamy cheeses found in many dishes.
- Think about pairing regionally – Some regions have signature types of cuisine that pairs nicely with specific wines; for instance, Oaxacan cooking typically pairs beautifully with crisp white Sauvignon Blancs from Baja California Sur or full-bodied Riojas from northern Spain
- Don’t forget about tequila! – Tequila makes an excellent accompaniment for your traditional tacos or enchiladas due to its complex flavor profile that will complement both sweet and savory elements in most dishes.
Serving Temperature And Glassware
Serving temperature is important when selecting a wine to pair with your Mexican dishes. Generally, whites and sparkling wines should be served chilled while reds should be served at room temperature.
Keeping the bottles in the fridge for an hour or two before serving will ensure that they are perfectly chilled before being poured into glasses.
As for glassware, it’s also important to pick the correct type of glasses for each type of wine you choose.
For example, Rieslings usually taste best when served in tall flutes or tulip-shaped glasses to show off their bouquet and color better.
A full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon will do well in a large balloon glass which can help aerate the wine and allow it to open up more fully so you can get all of its flavors and aromas.
Conclusion
Serving the right wine with your Mexican meals can make for a truly exquisite dining experience.
Choosing the correct wine for your specific dish is key to getting that perfect pairing, and luckily there are plenty of options from which to choose.
So, what wine pairs well with Mexican food?
The best wines to pair with Mexican food are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, and Albariño. These white wines have a bright flavor that pairs well with the spices in Mexican dishes. If you prefer reds, try Merlot or Tempranillo for a milder taste or Cabernet Sauvignon for bolder flavors.
From vibrant reds, crisp whites, and refreshing rosés, you’re bound to find something that pairs perfectly with your Mexican dish.
Don’t forget about glassware and serving temperature either- details like these can really elevate your meal and take it from average to extraordinary!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.