Pairing wine with tacos

A smiling girl wearing a leather jacket receives a plate of tacos from a taco van.

¡Hola amigos! At Cato & Co, we know that tacos are more than just a type of food, they're a cultural icon that reflects the diverse flavors and traditions of different regions of Mexico, and are a lifesaver on nights out. 

Each type of taco has its own unique flavor profile and ingredients that can be enhanced by the right wine pairing. So, whether you prefer your tacos from the Yucatan Peninsula, Baja California, or Oaxaca, we've got you covered. Here are our top wine pairing suggestions for different regional tacos:

Yucatan-style Tacos and Chenin Blanc

1. Yucatan-style tacos are a traditional Mayan dish that features slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote paste and served with pickled red onions and habanero salsa. These tacos pair perfectly with a bright and acidic white wine like Chenin Blanc. The wine's citrus and stone fruit flavors complement the tangy acidity of the pickled onions and the spicy kick of the habanero salsa.

Baja-style Fish Tacos and Albariño

2. Baja-style fish tacos are a popular street food that features crispy battered fish topped with cabbage slaw and a creamy lime-cilantro sauce. These tacos pair well with a crisp and refreshing white wine like Albariño. The wine's bright acidity and minerality complement the lightness of the fish and the tanginess of the sauce.

Oaxacan-style Tacos de Chapulines and Rosé

3. Oaxacan-style Tacos de Chapulines, or grasshopper tacos, are a unique and flavorful dish that features toasted grasshoppers seasoned with chili powder and lime juice, served with avocado and Oaxacan cheese. These tacos pair well with a dry and fruity rosé wine. The wine's acidity and fruity notes complement the smokiness of the chapulines and the creaminess of the cheese.

A tray of delicious looking beef tacos with condiments and a Mexican beer

Mexico City-style Tacos al Pastor and Tempranillo

4. Mexico City-style Tacos al Pastor are a popular street food that features thinly sliced marinated pork served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. These tacos pair perfectly with a bold and spicy red wine like Tempranillo. The wine's dark fruit flavors and smoky notes complement the richness of the pork and the sweetness of the pineapple.

Sonoran-style Carne Asada Tacos and Malbec

5. Sonoran-style Carne Asada Tacos are a classic dish that features marinated grilled beef served with pico de gallo, guacamole, and lime wedges. These tacos pair well with a bold and fruity red wine like Malbec. The wine's tannins and dark fruit flavors complement the richness of the beef and the tanginess of the pico de gallo.

Remember, wine pairing is all about exploring different combinations and finding what works best for your palate. So, the next time you're enjoying some delicious regional tacos, why not try pairing them with a great bottle of wine? Salud!

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