When it comes to finding the best wine with Tacos, there are some classic combinations that come to mind: red wine with steak, white wine with seafood, and so on. Today is May 5th. Cinco de Mayo! The day commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in the battle of Puebla, and so we decided to write about that most famous dish– tacos.
Best Red Wines to Pair with Tacos
Red wine is a great option. The bold flavors of red wine can complement the rich and spicy flavors of tacos. However, it’s important to choose the right type of red wine to ensure a perfect pairing.
When it comes to pairing red wine with tacos, there are a few options that work particularly well.
- Zinfandel is a versatile red wine that pairs well with many types of tacos, including those with ground beef or chorizo. Its bold flavor profile and high alcohol content make it a great choice for spicy tacos.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with tacos made with red meat, such as flank steak. Its high tannin content helps cut through the richness of the meat, while its bold flavors complement the spices in the tacos.
- Malbec is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with tacos made with grilled meats, such as carne asada. Its fruity flavors and low tannin content make it a great choice for tacos with a lighter flavor profile.
- Tempranillo is a Spanish red wine that pairs well with tacos made with grilled meats, such as carne asada or chorizo. Its bold flavors and high tannin content make it a great choice for spicy tacos.
- Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with tacos made with fish or vegetarian fillings. Its low tannin content and fruity flavors make it a great choice for tacos with a lighter flavor profile.
- Rioja is a Spanish red wine that pairs well with tacos made with grilled meats, such as carne asada or chorizo. Its bold flavors and high tannin content make it a great choice for spicy tacos.
Tannins are a key component to consider when pairing red wine with tacos. Tannins are compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes that give red wine its astringent taste. Tacos with high-fat content, such as ground beef or flank steak, can benefit from the tannins in red wine, as they help cut through the richness of the meat.
Best White Wines to Pair with Tacos
White wine is also an excellent choice. The acidity and freshness of white wine can cut through the richness of the tacos and complement the flavors of the dish. In this section, I will discuss the importance of acidity in white wine and the best white wines to pair with tacos.
There are several white wines that pair well with tacos:
- Albariño: This Spanish white wine has a bright acidity and a crisp finish that pairs well with fish and seafood tacos. It also complements the flavors of onions and herbs in the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has high acidity and a citrusy flavor that pairs well with chicken and shrimp tacos. It also pairs well with tacos that have a lot of veggies and herbs.
- Riesling: This German white wine has a low alcohol content and a high acidity that pairs well with spicy tacos. It also complements the flavors of lime and cilantro in the dish.
- Grüner Veltliner: This Austrian white wine has a peppery flavor and a high acidity that pairs well with vegetarian tacos. It also complements the flavors of roasted veggies and herbs in the dish.
- Vinho Verde: This Portuguese white wine has a light and refreshing flavor that pairs well with fish and seafood tacos. It also complements the flavors of tomatoes and onions in the dish.
- White Rhône Blend: This French white wine has a rich and complex flavor that pairs well with tacos that have a lot of spices and herbs. It also complements the flavors of roasted veggies and onions in the dish.
Acidity is a crucial element in white wine that makes it an excellent pairing for tacos. Tacos are often rich and flavorful, and the acidity in white wine can cut through the richness and cleanse the palate. The acidity also complements the flavors of the dish, making it a perfect pairing.
Suggested Rosés for Tacos
The light and refreshing taste of rosé is the perfect complement to the bold and spicy flavors of tacos. Here are some reasons why rosé is a great choice for tacos and some of the best rosés to pair with this popular Mexican dish.
Rosé has a light and crisp taste that pairs well with spicy food. The acidity in rosé helps to cut through the heat of spicy tacos, while the fruitiness of the wine complements the flavors of cumin, cilantro, garlic, and pico de gallo. Rosé also has a great balance of sweetness and dryness, making it a versatile choice for different types of tacos.
There are many different types of rosé to choose from, but some of the best options for tacos include:
- Provence Rosé: This dry and light-bodied rosé has a delicate flavor that pairs well with seafood tacos or tacos with light and fresh ingredients.
- Spanish Rosé: Spanish rosés are known for their bold and fruity flavors, which make them a great choice for tacos with rich and savory ingredients like carne asada or barbacoa.
- Californian Rosé: Californian rosés are often made from a blend of different grapes, which gives them a complex flavor profile. These rosés are a good choice for tacos with a variety of ingredients, as they can complement both the spicy and sweet flavors.
- Italian Rosé: Italian rosés are typically made from the Sangiovese grape, which gives them a light and refreshing taste. These rosés are a great choice for tacos with fresh and light ingredients like grilled vegetables or fish.
Dry rosé is a great choice for pairing with tacos. Its light and refreshing taste complements the bold and spicy flavors of tacos, making it a versatile choice for different types of this popular Mexican dish.
Sparkling Wines with Tacos
- Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method, Cava is a great choice for tacos. Its crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors complement the spicy flavors of the tacos.
- Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is known for its light, fruity flavors, and refreshing acidity. It pairs well with tacos that have a lot of fresh ingredients, such as fish tacos.
- Champagne: If you’re looking for a more luxurious pairing, Champagne is always a great choice. Its crisp acidity and complex flavors can stand up to the bold flavors of tacos with rich meats like carnitas or barbacoa.
- Brut Rosé: A dry rosé sparkling wine, Brut Rosé is a versatile pairing for tacos. Its bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity complement a wide range of taco styles, from spicy beef to vegetarian.
For spicy tacos, consider a wine with some sweetness to balance out the heat, such as a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer. For tacos with rich, meaty flavors, a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can be a good choice. For lighter, seafood-based tacos, a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio can be a good match.
For tacos with rich, meaty flavors, a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can be a good choice. As a taco lover, I often find myself wondering which wine would go best with my favorite Mexican dish. So Ada & I decided we’re we’d find out!
Tacos and Wine Considerations
When it comes to pairing wine with tacos, there are several factors to consider. Are you having ground beef tacos or chicken tacos? Here are some of the most important ones:
- The filling: The filling of your taco is one of the most important factors to consider when pairing wine. For example, a beef taco may pair well with a bold red wine, while a grilled fish taco may be better suited for a crisp white wine.
- The spiciness: Spicy tacos can be challenging to pair with wine, as the heat can make the wine taste bitter or astringent. In general, it’s best to avoid tannic wines and opt for wines with low alcohol content and high acidity, such as Riesling or Grüner Veltliner.
- The tortilla: The type of tortilla you use can also affect the wine pairing. Corn tortillas are more flavorful and earthy than flour tortillas, so they may pair better with wines that have similar characteristics, such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
- The toppings: The toppings on your taco can also play a role in the wine pairing. For example, a taco with fresh cilantro and lime may pair well with a wine that has citrusy notes, while a taco with creamy avocado may pair better with a wine that has a buttery texture.
By considering these factors and experimenting with different wine and taco combinations, you can find the perfect pairing that will elevate your taco experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do tacos go with white or red wine?
Both white and red wines can go well with tacos, depending on the type of taco and your personal taste preferences. For example, if you are having seafood tacos, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be a great match. On the other hand, if you are having tacos with rich, meaty flavors, a bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can be a good choice. Ultimately, the best wine to pair with tacos will depend on the specific ingredients and flavors of the tacos, as well as your personal taste preferences.
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What kind of wine goes well with Mexican food?
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which can make it a bit challenging to pair with wine. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you find a good match:
For spicy dishes, consider a wine with some sweetness to balance out the heat, such as a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer.
For dishes with rich, meaty flavors, a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can be a good choice.
For dishes with tangy or acidic flavors, a wine with high acidity such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir can complement the flavors well.
For dishes with creamy or cheesy flavors, a wine with a bit of oak aging such as a Chardonnay or a Rioja can be a good match.
Ultimately, the best wine to pair with Mexican food will depend on the specific dish and your personal taste preferences. It’s always a good idea to experiment and try different combinations to see what works best for you. -
What type of red wine is best for tacos?
For tacos with rich, meaty flavors, a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can be a good choice. These wines have enough tannins and structure to stand up to the bold flavors of the meat.
For tacos with spicy flavors, consider a red wine with some sweetness to balance out the heat, such as a Zinfandel or a Malbec. These wines have enough fruitiness and sweetness to complement the spice.
For tacos with smoky or grilled flavors, a red wine with some smoky notes such as a Pinot Noir or a Tempranillo can be a good match. -
What is the best wine for fish tacos?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño would be a good choice. These wines tend to have bright acidity and citrus flavors that pair well with the fresh and zesty flavors of fish tacos. Additionally, a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais could also work well with fish tacos, especially if the dish includes spicier elements.
At last, sharing the wisdom as well as the follies.