How to Make a Wine-Mexican Food Pairing That Works.
Mexican cuisine is renowned for its very flavorful sauces. There is so many wonderful and unusual cuisine to choose from, ranging from ceviche and guacamole to mole and enchiladas.
The variety of Mexican cuisine available ensures that there is something for everyone. And, of course, just like any other delectable dinner, you’ll want something to drink to go with it.
When eating Mexican cuisine, the majority of people immediately go for a beer or a tequila-based cocktail. It’s reasonable since these beverages are delicious and pair nicely with a variety of different entrees and appetizers.
However, there is another beverage to consider that may elevate your Mexican lunch from decent to extraordinary: wine.
The sort of wine you pick for this match is important, just as it is for other food and wine pairings. Learn how to combine wine with Mexican cuisine in this article, as well as some of the greatest food and wine pairings to try out in the process.
Pairing Wine with Mexican Food: Some Suggestions
A few considerations should be made when evaluating a glass of wine and Mexican cuisine match. These include:
Protein
Generally speaking, white wines pair well with white meats, while red wines pair well with red meats. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, a strong-flavored fish or dark-meat chicken may pair better with a glass of red wine than a white.
Color of Herbs
Dishes that include a lot of green herbs and have a strong herbaceous taste frequently pair well with an acidic white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, since the herbs enhance the flavor of the dish. It is beneficial to have something with more fruity tastes to balance out the heavier spices.
Heat Degree When it comes to spices, the heat level of the food may have an impact on your wine selection.
The wine should be cooler and sweeter the spicier the food, and vice versa. Those with a lower alcohol level and fewer tannins may be beneficial in reducing the effects of the hangover. You may still get a kick out of the heat without having the spices take over your taste receptors completely.
Consider the following eight food and wine pairings:
Taken into consideration, here are a few suggestions for Mexican cuisine and wine combinations to try:
- Ceviche with a glass of Grüner Veltliner
A popular appetizer consisting of raw fish marinated in fresh citrus juice (lemon or lime juice), onions, peppers, and cilantro, ceviche (also known as cebiche or seviche) is a popular appetizer in Mexico. It is possible to “cook” the fish using lemon (or lime) juice without ever using a stove or using any heat. This recipe is enhanced by the use of a high-acid Grüner Veltliner wine, which complements the fresh, lemony tastes of the dish. Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling white wine are also suitable options. - Carnitas with a glass of Pinot Noir
Carnitas is a Spanish word that literally translates as “small meats.” The meal is prepared by braising pig in fat or oil with spices for many hours, or until the meat is soft enough to shred with your fingers. In order to get a crispier texture, the meat is roasted in the oven towards the conclusion of the cooking procedure. In the end, you’ll have soft, smokey meat that can be used in tacos, enchiladas, or just eaten on its own.
It doesn’t matter how you serve or eat your pork carnitas; Pinot Noir goes well with them. It has an extremely low tannin content compared to many other red wines. It’s a light and sweet wine that goes well with a variety of dishes.
Mole and Syrah (number three).
Mole is essentially a sort of sauce, and there are a few distinct varieties available to choose from. A popular example is mole poblano, a sauce made from chiles, tomatoes, dried fruits, seeds, and chocolate that is widely available in Mexican restaurants.
Chicken, pork, or beef mole are all options, and they all match nicely with a young Syrah. A powerful, fruity wine with medium tannins that nicely match the flavors of the sauce is the right match for this dish. Also worth considering are Zinfandel and Malbec, both of which are good choices.
- Al Pastor and Sparkling Brut Rosé, to name a few.
It is a pig or goat dish that is seasoned with chiles and cooked on a spit grill with onions and pineapple for a long, slow roasting. Tacos al pastor (pork tacos), which are often served with roasted pineapple, red onion, and fresh cilantro, are a common way to serve this sort of meat.
The pineapple in al pastor may be difficult to pair with a glass of wine, but a sparkling Brut Rosé is a good choice, particularly if it has more fruity overtones.
- Enchiladas with a glass of Riesling
Tacos are tortillas loaded with any number of items (often a mix of meat, beans, potatoes, and veggies) and topped with a delectable red sauce, which can be found in many Mexican restaurants. The sauce is made with chili powder, garlic, onion, and tomato paste, all of which are cooked in stock and thickened with flour. A Riesling is a fantastic choice for this occasion. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the fattiness of the cheese, resulting in a meal that is more harmonious overall. This sauce also pairs nicely with the spices and tomato that are there. A dry rosé is also a good option for this occasion. - Tamales and Tempranillo, to name a few of things.
Tamales are corn-based pastries that are filled with cheese, pork, beans, veggies, or a combination of any of these things. Wrapping and steaming or boiling the dough with the filling is the last step. Tamales, with their sweet and earthy tastes, match particularly well with the fruity notes of Tempranillo, especially when they’re loaded with pork. Alternatively, tamales and Pinot Noir might be served together. - Chicken tacos and Pinot Gris tacos are two of the most well-known Mexican meals, and they’re both delicious. Tacos are traditionally made of maize and are tender to the touch. They may be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including chicken and vegetables. Spices like as chilies, cumin, paprika, and garlic are often used in chicken tacos. You can top them with nearly anything, including chopped red onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado, among other things.
No matter how you prepare your chicken tacos, a glass of Pinot Gris is the perfect companion. Together, the acidic and fruity wine complements the food well. You could also think about trying Gewürztraminer or Riesling.
Chiles Rellenos and Sauvignon Blanc are the eighth and final course.
Chiles Rellenos are green chiles that have been packed with cheese, coated in masa, then deep-fried until they are crispy. In most cases, they’re served with pickled veggies and a chile sauce on the side.
There are a handful of reasons why Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal wine to pair with this meal. For starters, the acidity of the wine cuts through the fattiness of the cheese as well as the oil that the chiles have absorbed from being fried.
The wine also pairs nicely with green chilies, as previously stated. It’s a culinary combination made in culinary heaven.
Discover the ideal wine to pair with your next Mexican-inspired meal.
Looking for the right wine to go with your next Mexican-inspired meal? Look no further than this list.
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