Skip to Content

Taco Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Tacos

Tacos and wine, two of the most beloved foods on the planet!

It’s no wonder that this combination is so popular.

After all, there’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of delicious tacos while sipping a glass of your favorite vino.

But have you ever wondered what wines are best paired with tacos?

Whether you’re hosting a taco night at your place or simply cooking up some tasty treats for yourself, pairing the perfect wine can take any meal to a whole new level.

With so many great varietals out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the list to just one or two bottles.

But fear not – we’ve got you covered!

So, what wine goes with tacos?

Tacos are a versatile food that pair well with many types of white wines, such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. These fruity and light-bodied wines can help to bring out the flavor of the taco’s ingredients while also providing an enjoyable contrast.

So prepare those palettes – it’s time for an adventure through flavor-town!

shrimp tacos

3 Reasons You Should Consider Serving Wine With Tacos

Craving some tacos? Why not make it even more special and serve it with a glass of wine? Wine is a great companion for tacos, as it can really enhance the flavors and create a unique culinary experience.

If you want to treat yourself or your friends, here are three reasons why serving wine with tacos is an excellent idea:

  1. First of all, wines provide complexity that enhances the tasty flavors of the food. Tacos have many elements to them – from meat and vegetables to cheese and chili peppers – which makes them perfect for pairing with different types of wines.
  2. Secondly, selecting the right wine will bring out the best in each taco ingredient’s flavor profile. For example, if you’re having spicy chicken tacos, try pairing them with Grüner Veltliner or Riesling to balance out the spiciness.
  3. Finally, by enjoying both together at once, you can experience complementary tastes that add depth and richness to your meal. This will make every bite feel like an adventure!

5 Best Red Wines For Tacos

Red Wine

Red wines pair incredibly well with tacos, and can often add a sweetness and complexity to the taco that you wouldn’t get from white or rosé wines.

If you’re looking for the best red wine to serve with tacos, look no further than Grüner Veltliner or Riesling.

These two varietals have a fruit-forward flavor profile that pairs perfectly with many popular taco fillings, including sweet potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

Other great red options include Zinfandel, Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOCG (for spicy tacos), Tempranillo (for beef tacos), Grenache/Garnacha (for fish tacos), and Carmenere (for pork).

For dessert tacos like churros or fried ice cream filled with cajeta goat’s milk caramel sauce we recommend pairing them with a delicious Port or Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon.

5 Best White Wines For Tacos

White wine

White wines are a great accompaniment to tacos because they bring out the flavor of the ingredients. Here are five of the best white wines for tacos:

  1. Grüner Veltliner is one of the most popular choices when it comes to pairing wine with tacos. This Austrian variety is light and crisp, with a hint of spiciness that complements many taco varieties perfectly.
  2. Riesling is an excellent choice for fans of sweeter whites. It has enough acidity to balance out richer fillings like pork or beef, but its sweetness also pairs well with tangy salsas and creamy guacamoles.
  3. Sauvignon Blanc makes a great match for fish tacos as it provides a refreshing contrast to their intense flavors. The herbaceous notes in this wine complement fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley often found in Mexican dishes.
  4. Chardonnay can be a good option if you’re looking for something a bit more full-bodied than other white wines. Its oaky taste stands up nicely against bolder flavors and its creaminess adds richness to lighter toppings like lettuce and tomatoes.
  5. Gewürztraminer is another popular option when it comes to wine pairings with tacos due to its fruity aromas and spicy undertones which work wonderfully with any type of filling you choose!

Best Rosé Wines For Tacos

Rosé wine

Rosé wines are a great choice when it comes to pairing with tacos. The fruity and light flavors of rosé wines pair nicely with the spicy and savory flavors of tacos.

Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian dry rosé that has aromas of apples, lemons, pears, and white pepper. This wine is crisp and refreshing on the palate with slight notes of spice. It will cut through the richness from any toppings or sauces you choose for your tacos.

Riesling is another popular choice for taco wine pairings due to its subtle sweetness which helps balance out some of the spiciness in a taco dish. Riesling often offers aromas of tropical fruit such as pineapple, guava, and mango along with floral notes like honeysuckle or jasmine on the nose.

On the palate, you’ll find firm acidity combined with sweet honeyed fruit flavors that make this a great pairing option for tacos!

3 Other Wines To Pair With Tacos

If you are looking to explore beyond Grüner Veltliner and Riesling for your tacos, there are a few other delicious and interesting wines that pair nicely with Mexican food.

  1. Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice as it has vibrant acidity which helps to stand up to the flavors of Mexican cuisine. The bright citrusy notes in Sauvignon Blanc also offer an amazing balance against the richness and spiciness of the tacos.
  2. Another great option is Chenin Blanc, which has a more tropical flavor profile than Sauvignon Blanc. Its light sweetness pairs beautifully with spicy dishes such as fish or chicken tacos.
  3. Finally, Spanish Verdejo is a brilliant pairing for any taco dish due to its zesty character matched by pleasant fruity notes – something guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!

3 Taco And Wine Serving Ideas

Once you’ve chosen your perfect tacos and wines for pairing, the next step is to serve them up! Here are a few ideas:

  1. Taco Bar: A taco bar is always a hit at parties. Set out all of your tacos and let guests choose their favorite combination of fillings, toppings and sauces. Then pour some glasses of Grüner Veltliner or Riesling for each guest – these two wines will pair perfectly with any taco option!
  2. Tapas-style Tacos & Wines: If you’re looking for something more upscale, why not create tapas-style tacos? Instead of serving big burritos with lots of toppings, opt for small mini-tacos with just one or two ingredients each. Serve them on a large tray or platter alongside several different glasses filled with different wine varietals, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay to Pinot Noir – the possibilities are endless!
  3. Taco & Wine Pairing Night: For an intimate gathering of friends or family members, try hosting a Mexican food and wine-tasting night! Create small samples of different types of tacos (meat-based as well as vegetarian) plus side dishes like guacamole and salsa fresca. Then select four to five wines that pair excellently with the flavors in your meal – maybe an Austrian Grüner Veltliner paired with roasted chicken tacos? Or perhaps a Spanish Tempranillo served up alongside beef Barbacoa? With this format, everyone can taste all kinds of delicious foods while learning about their ideal wine accompaniments.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Now that you’ve figured out the best wines to pair with tacos, it’s time to talk about serving temperature and glassware.

The ideal serving temperature for wine is always slightly cooler than room temperature, so if it’s a hot summer day, refrigerate your bottles of wine before serving.

Red wines should be served at 63-68° F (17-20° C), whites at 45-55° F (8-13° C), and rosés at 55-60° F (12-15° C). You can also use an ice bucket or chilled bowl filled with ice water to keep your bottles cold during outdoor entertaining.

When it comes to glassware, your choice will depend on the type of wine you’re pairing with your tacos.

For red wines, opt for large bowls that allow the aromas and flavors of the wine to open up as they come into contact with air in the glass; for white or sparkling wines, choose glasses that are tall and more slender in shape; and lastly, a flute is perfect for rosé or champagne!

Conclusion

With so many different types of tacos, there’s no shortage of wines to choose from when it comes to pairing the two. Whether you’re opting for a spicy beef taco or something more veggie-friendly, the options are almost endless.

So, what wine pairs well with tacos?

Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are some of the most popular wines to pair with tacos, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other varietals as well. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon also make great companions for tacos due to their slightly acidic profile that complements Mexican flavors well.

Keep in mind that white and rosé wines tend to work best with lighter meats such as chicken or fish, while reds work better with heavier fillings like beef and pork.

When serving your chosen wine alongside tacos, remember not only what type of wine you’re serving but how it should be served: at an appropriate temperature in the right glassware – a nice short stemmed glass is ideal!

And lastly, try adding some interesting garnishes or side dishes like mango salsa or pico de gallo – they really bring out the flavor!

Website | + posts

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.