The 7 Greatest Wines to Pair With Your Favourite Tacos
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Once thought of as a casual dish, tacos have become increasingly upscale over the years, especially with the elevation of Mexican cuisine at home and abroad. The names may be the same, but the fillings and garnishes have definitely become more complex and creative. Where we once may have been happy just to have a beer to wash down a plate of soft or hard tortillas with a variety of fillings, as tacos have gotten more extravagant, so have our beverage choices. Here are seven wine and taco pairings that are sure to enhance your next taco night.
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Baldacci 2019 Chardonnay Sorelle Carneros Napa Valley California
Well-seasoned shrimp tacos blend the perfect flavors of delicate sweet, briny shrimp, cilantro, and lime juice and that’s why Baldacci’s Carneros Chardonnay pairs so perfectly. It has aromas of lime zest, fresh herbs, and a just a whiff of caramelized sugar with creamy flavors of lemon curd, Granny Smith apple, and a nice splash of acidity in the finish to make your mouth ready for the next delicious bite. Winemaker Michael Baldacci is the director of his family’s winery and vineyards and is responsible for this delightful wine, but as the winery’s collective mantra states “Wine is a collective process. It takes patience, collaboration, and above all else a passionate and amazing team.”
Buy Now: $47
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Borgo del Tiglio 2020 Collio Sauvignon Collio Italy
Winemaker Nicola Manferrari went to college to become a pharmacist, but always had a penchant for winemaking. Some thirty years on he is now a highly respected winemaker in his native Fruili. His 2020 Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of freshly chopped herbs and citrus peel which translate seamlessly onto the palate making it an ideal pairing for zesty, citrusy, fish tacos. Some of the best restaurants use corvina, cod, or other light bodied, flaky, white fish for the filling and liberally add cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño pepper to the mix.
Buy Now: $85
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Marques de Murrieta 2017 Dalmau Rioja Spain
Named for Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, the Count of Creixell, Dalmau is one of the leading wines from the Marques de Murrieta Estates, which have been under the stewardship of the Cebrián-Sagarriga family since 1983. Dalmau’s parents started the estate and he intends “to continue with the same strength and enthusiasm.” This 2017 vintage wine is red-purple in the glass and has aromas of blueberries, ripe cherries, and cassis with flavors of ripe red and black fruits accented by mocha and brown baking spices. Pairing this stunning Spanish wine with Mexico’s all-time favorite; tacos al pastor, is a no brainer. The sliced pork has a smoky and earthy quality to it that is accentuated by Dalmau.
Buy Now: $130
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Remirez de Ganuza 2013 Trasnocho Rioja Spain
Image Credit: Remirez de Ganuza Spicy chunks of twice cooked pork bathed in salsa are a great match for a Spanish blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia. Trasnocho refers to the fact that the grapes are picked overnight so they don’t arrive at the winery too hot, and they retain their vivid fruit flavors and acidity. This intriguing wine is bright cherry colored with aromas of ripe black and red fruits, toasted brioche, smoked charcuterie, and anise with flavors of licorice, cassis, red plum, and flame roasted red pepper. There’s a great acidic lift in the finish which cleanses your palate for the next delicious bite of your carnitas.
Buy Now: $180
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Remirez de Ganuza 2013 Trasnocho Rioja Spain
Spicy chunks of twice cooked pork bathed in salsa are a great match for a Spanish blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia. Trasnocho refers to the fact that the grapes are picked overnight so they don’t arrive at the winery too hot, and they retain their vivid fruit flavors and acidity. This intriguing wine is bright cherry colored with aromas of ripe black and red fruits, toasted brioche, smoked charcuterie, and anise with flavors of licorice, cassis, red plum, and flame roasted red pepper. There’s a great acidic lift in the finish which cleanses your palate for the next delicious bite of your carnitas.
Buy Now: $125
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Miguel Torres Chile 2018 Manso de Velasco Cabernet Sauvignon Curico Valley Chile
Image Credit: Miguel Torres Chile Miguel Torres Chile was founded in 1979, when Sr. Torres left his native Spain to search for the perfect terroir and climate in Chile. Today the winery bearing his name and the name of his father is continuing the family’s dedication to organic grape growing and sustainable practices. This delightful Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of pencil lead, cassis, smoked charcuterie, and blackberry with soft tannins and flavors of ripe black fruits. This makes it a perfect match for a carne asado, or grilled meat taco. The smokiness of the wine highlights the charcoal fire over which the carne asada is grilled to perfection.
Buy Now: $78
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Viña Cobos 2019 Cobos Chañares Estate Malbec Tunuyan Argentina
Paul Hobbs first visited Argentina in March 1988 and he is widely credited for his contributions to Argentine winemaking. This delicious Malbec is almost purple colored with aromas of blue fruits, purple flowers, black plums, tobacco leaf, and red raspberry. It is very well balanced in the mouth with chewy tannins that stand up to barbecue spices, making it a perfect match for barbacoa tacos. The plush tannins and well marbled barbecued beef play off each other very well.
Buy Now: $109
Source: Robb Report
