A Pairing Guide for Tacos & Wine
When it comes to exploring the best food and wine pairings, one of our favorite things is versatility. Foods with a diverse range of flavors and textures offer opportunities to pair with a number of favorite wines. This week, we have tacos in mind! In addition to their delicious diversity, picking the right wine can make for some phenomenal and unforgettable accompaniment. Use this guide to help you select the right wine for the job!
Flavor is the first element to consider for any pairing. If you like your tacos rich with spices and flavor, such as chili peppers or cumin, you will want to choose a wine that can stand up to those flavors. Bolder reds like the Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon in our Riserva Collection hold their own and complement these rich flavors. On the other hand, more neutral or subtle flavors are complemented by the smooth notes of our Riserva Trebbiano or a fun Sparkling Wine.
Another consideration that will help to liven up your pairings is the desired level of acidity. The higher acidity will help to cut through richer fillings. Wines like Sangiovese and Barbera offer acidity that offer brightness without overpowering the succulent flavors of the filling.
Here are some of our favorite recommendations:
Grilled Fish Tacos with Shredded Cabbage: Look for a tasty white wine with either a light to medium body, such as a Fumé Blanc or a Trebbiano. These wines will complement and brighten the fresh flavors of the tacos, especially with a squeeze of fresh lime over the plate!
Shredded Beef or Barbacoa Tacos: Look for a red wine with some acidity and tannin, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Barbera. These wines can balance out the richness of the beef and the bold flavors of the taco toppings.
Carne Asada Tacos with Cotija and Pico de Gallo: Pick any of your favorite red wines to go with this classic of tender marinated beef. Our pick is our Landmark Founder’s Blend for a taste of luxury that will make your tastebuds sing!
Tacos Al Pastor: Play with the sweetness of the pineapple by selecting a wine with some fun, bright character like our Salute Rosé or Fumé Blanc.
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Chipotle Crema: Select a medium-bodied white wine with a touch of acidity, like our Landmark Chardonnay, which will complement the subtleties flavors of the chicken and the delicious creamy flavors of the taco toppings.
Black Bean and Roasted Vegetable Tacos with Corn Salsa: Flavorful vegetarian tacos like this pair well with a light-bodied red wine like our Riserva Sangiovese or a rich white wine like our Riserva Chardonnay. These wines both complement the fresh and bright flavors of the taco.
Of course, we always encourage experimentation of your own to find your own favorites. Just like with tacos and toppings, a little bit of mix-and-match never hurt anyone, so find what you enjoy! We hope that with a little help from this handy guide, you can create delicious and harmonious pairings that take taco night to the next level every time. Cheers!
Do you have a favorite pairing we missed? Tag us on Instagram @rubinoestates and share yours!