The Best Wines to Pair with Spicy Mexican Food
Mexican food is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Whether it’s tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas, these dishes are packed with a variety of spices that can be challenging to pair with wine. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the best wines to pair with spicy Mexican food.
Riesling
Riesling is a versatile wine that can complement the heat of spicy Mexican food while also balancing out the sweetness of some dishes. It has a crisp acidity with flavors of green apple, citrus, and peach. A semi-dry or dry Riesling pairs well with spicy dishes like chile rellenos, while a sweet Riesling can complement the heat of tamales or mole.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a fruity and bold wine that pairs well with spicy foods. It has flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, which can complement the flavors in dishes like carne asada. Zinfandel's high alcohol content can cut through the heat of spicy dishes, making it a great wine to pair with enchiladas or spicy tacos.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing wine that pairs well with spicy Mexican dishes. It has a high acidity with flavors of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. This wine can cut through the heat of spicy dishes like salsa, and its acidity can balance the richness of dishes like queso dip or guacamole.
Syrah
Syrah is a bold and spicy red wine that pairs well with smoky and spicy Mexican dishes. It has flavors of blackberry, pepper, and spice. This wine can complement the smokiness of dishes like grilled beef or pork, and its tannins can balance the heat of spicy dishes like carnitas.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine can be a great pairing for spicy Mexican food. The bubbles can provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of spicy dishes, and the sweetness can balance out the spiciness. A brut or extra brut sparkling wine pairs well with spicy dishes like chile verde, while a sweeter sparkling wine can complement the heat of spicy shrimp or fish tacos.
Conclusion
Pairing wine with spicy Mexican food can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With these wines, you can elevate your dining experience by complementing the bold and spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. From Riesling to sparkling wine, there’s a wine out there that can pair perfectly with your favorite spicy dishes.