The Best Wines to Pair with Tacos and Mexican Dishes
By David Gadd | Published on 2022-05-17
. Tacos and Mexican dishes are some of the most popular dishes around the world. But what's the best wine to pair with these delicious meals? Whether you're looking for a red or white wine to go with your tacos, or a great pairing for your chicken enchiladas or beef fajitas, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore the best wines to pair with tacos and Mexican dishes, so you can enjoy the perfect combination of flavors. So grab your favorite bottle of wine and let's get started!
Red Wine for Tacos
When it comes to pairing wine with tacos, red wine is often the go-to choice. The bold flavors of red wine can stand up to the bold flavors of tacos, making for a delicious combination. From light and fruity to full-bodied and robust, there are a variety of red wines that pair perfectly with tacos.
For a light and fruity red wine, look for a Pinot Noir. This type of red wine has a light body and a bright, fruity flavor that pairs well with tacos. It also has a slightly acidic finish that helps to cut through the richness of the tacos.
For a full-bodied and robust red wine, look for a Cabernet Sauvignon. This type of red wine has a deep, dark color and a bold flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of tacos. It also has a slightly tannic finish that helps to balance out the richness of the tacos.
White Wine for Tacos
When it comes to tacos, white wine is a great choice for pairing. Not only is it light and refreshing, but it also helps to balance out the flavors of the tacos. White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling are all great options for pairing with tacos.
Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine that has a crisp acidity and herbal notes. It pairs well with tacos that are made with fish, chicken, or vegetables. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the tacos, while the herbal notes add a nice complexity.
Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing white wine that has a crisp acidity and fruity notes. It pairs well with tacos that are made with chicken, pork, or seafood. The acidity of the wine helps to balance out the richness of the tacos, while the fruity notes add a nice complexity.
Riesling is a sweet white wine that has a crisp acidity and floral notes. It pairs well with tacos that are made with beef, pork, or vegetables. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the tacos, while the floral notes add a nice complexity.
Wine Pairing with Chicken Enchiladas
When it comes to pairing wines with chicken enchiladas, there are a few options that work well. For a classic Mexican flavor, a light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or a Grenache would be a great choice. These wines have a bright acidity that will cut through the spiciness of the dish and bring out the flavors of the enchiladas.
For a white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chenin Blanc would be a great option. These wines have a crisp acidity and a bright fruitiness that will complement the flavors of the chicken enchiladas. The acidity of the wine will help to cut through the richness of the dish and bring out the flavors of the enchiladas.
For a more complex pairing, a medium-bodied red such as a Tempranillo or a Rioja would be a great choice. These wines have a bolder flavor that will stand up to the spiciness of the dish and bring out the flavors of the enchiladas. The tannins in the wine will help to balance the richness of the dish and bring out the flavors of the enchiladas.
Wine Pairing with Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a delicious and popular Mexican dish that is often served with a variety of condiments. The best wine to pair with fish tacos is a light, crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are both excellent choices. These wines will bring out the flavors of the fish and the condiments without overpowering them.
When it comes to fish tacos, a light-bodied white wine is the way to go. Look for a wine with a bright acidity and citrus notes that will complement the flavors of the fish and the condiments. A Riesling or Chenin Blanc are also great options.
For a more robust flavor, you can opt for a medium-bodied white such as a Chardonnay or Viognier. These wines will bring out the flavors of the fish and the condiments without overpowering them. The oak-aged Chardonnays will also add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Wine Pairing with Fajitas
Fajitas are a classic Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. When it comes to pairing wine with fajitas, there are a few options that will make the meal even more enjoyable.
For those looking for a red wine to pair with fajitas, a medium-bodied red such as a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice. These wines have enough body to stand up to the bold flavors of the fajitas, while still being light enough to not overpower the dish.
For those looking for a white wine to pair with fajitas, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling are both excellent choices. These wines have a crisp acidity that will cut through the richness of the fajitas and bring out the flavors of the dish. They also have a light body that won't overpower the flavors of the fajitas.
Wine Pairing with Beef Enchiladas
When it comes to beef enchiladas, a full-bodied red wine is the way to go. A Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Zinfandel are all excellent choices. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for beef enchiladas, as its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors will stand up to the savory flavors of the dish. Malbec is also a great choice, as its spicy and earthy notes will complement the beef and enchilada sauce. Zinfandel is a great option for those who prefer a lighter red, as its bright berry flavors will pair nicely with the beef.
When it comes to white wines, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are both great options. Chardonnay is a classic pairing for beef enchiladas, as its creamy texture and oak notes will stand up to the savory flavors of the dish. Sauvignon Blanc is also a great choice, as its bright citrus and herbal notes will complement the beef and enchilada sauce.
No matter what type of wine you choose, be sure to serve it slightly chilled. This will help to bring out the flavors of the wine and the dish. Enjoy!
Chicken Fajitas Wine Pairing
When it comes to pairing wine with chicken fajitas, you have a lot of options. A light, fruity white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, is a great choice for this dish. The crisp acidity of the wine will help to cut through the spiciness of the fajitas, while the fruitiness will complement the flavors of the dish.
If you prefer a red wine, a light-bodied, fruity red like a Pinot Noir is a great choice. The bright acidity and light tannins of the wine will help to balance out the spiciness of the dish, while the fruitiness of the wine will pair nicely with the flavors of the fajitas.
For a more robust pairing, a medium-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is a great option. The bold tannins and dark fruit flavors of these wines will stand up to the spiciness of the fajitas, while the fruitiness of the wines will complement the flavors of the dish.
Wine Pairing with Beef Tacos
When it comes to beef tacos, a robust red wine is the perfect pairing. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah will bring out the flavors of the beef and complement the spices in the taco seasoning. For a lighter option, try a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel. These wines will still bring out the flavors of the beef, but with a bit more finesse.
If you’re looking for a white wine to pair with beef tacos, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will do the trick. Both of these wines are light and crisp, and will bring out the flavors of the beef without overpowering them. For a more unique pairing, try a Gewürztraminer or a Viognier. These wines have a bit of sweetness to them, which will balance out the spices in the taco seasoning.
No matter which wine you choose, make sure to serve it slightly chilled. This will help bring out the flavors of the beef and the spices in the taco seasoning. Enjoy your beef tacos with a glass of your favorite wine and you’ll be sure to have a delicious and memorable meal.
Conclusion
Tacos and Mexican dishes are some of the most popular and flavorful meals around, and pairing them with the right wine can take them to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a red, white, or something in between, there’s a perfect wine for tacos and Mexican dishes that will bring out the best in both. With the right pairing, you can make any taco night a special occasion.