Drink This With That? First up tacos!

Introducing Drink This with That—A new feature about what to drink with international cuisines. Each month we will highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true to the options that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.

Ready to Drink This with That? First up tacos!

Tacos, a flavorful and versatile Mexican dish, can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings. Tacos are not just a reason for celebrating Tuesday, they are a many splendored thing. Spicy, deep, earthy and savory—and just like wine, there are many aspects of the famed taco to explore and enjoy and pair accordingly.

The flavor profiles of Mexican food can be diverse starting with a base of fiery chilies and drawing from a range of spices and herbs that create a powerful punch from deep earthy spices like cumin to herbs like cilantro, coriander, thyme and Mexican oregano.

As with all types of food successful pairings build upon complementary flavors and balance with acidity and texture.

 

Taco Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations

Let’s explore the range of Tacos and wines to match. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries

 

Meat Tacos

Carne Asada: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec

Ground Beef: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera

Al Pastor (pork): Grenache-based Rosé, Tempranillo, Sparkling Rosé

Carnitas: Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot

Chorizo: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Chicken Tacos

Grilled Chicken: Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Blanc de Blanc

Shredded Chicken: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Orange/Skin Contact style

Crispy Chicken: Sparkling Extra Brut, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir

Fish Tacos

Battered Fish: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Un-Oaked Chardonnay

Grilled Fish: Pinot Grigio, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Biancolella

Veggie Tacos

Roasted Vegetables: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir

Tofu: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sparkling Syrah

Recipe

Coconut Chicken Mole Tacos – From Rockpile Vineyards

This modern twist on a savory Mexican classic provides the perfect balance of spice and sweetness to pair with any Zinfandel, but for an enhanced sensory experience, try a bold, full-bodied Zinfandel from the Rockpile AVA.