Which red wine with Mexican food?

Choosing a red wine with Mexican food depends heavily on the dish's specific flavors. Here are some general guidelines:

For Spicy Dishes:

* Cabernet Sauvignon: Its bold tannins and fruitiness can stand up to the heat of chili peppers and spices. Look for a Californian or Australian Cab.

* Zinfandel: The peppery notes of Zinfandel complement spicy dishes while its fruit-forward character balances the heat.

* Grenache: This lighter-bodied red has a bright acidity that cuts through the spiciness.

* Syrah/Shiraz: The black pepper notes and full body of Syrah can pair well with spicier Mexican dishes.

For Dishes with Mole Sauce:

* Tempranillo: This Spanish grape produces wines with earthy and cherry flavors that pair beautifully with the complex flavors of mole.

* Nebbiolo: The floral and earthy aromas of Nebbiolo complement the richness of mole.

* Malbec: The dark fruit and spice notes of Malbec can stand up to the complex flavors of mole.

For Dishes with Tomatillo Sauce:

* Pinot Noir: The lighter body and fruity notes of Pinot Noir work well with the bright acidity of tomatillo sauce.

* Gamay: This French grape produces light-bodied wines with red fruit and floral aromas that complement the acidity of tomatillo sauce.

For Grilled Meats:

* Merlot: Its smooth tannins and cherry flavors pair well with grilled meats like carne asada.

* Carménère: This Chilean grape produces wines with notes of black fruit, tobacco, and spice that complement grilled meats.

General Tips:

* Consider the spice level. The spicier the food, the more tannic and bold the wine should be.

* Look for wines with good acidity. Acidity cuts through the richness of Mexican food and helps to cleanse the palate.

* Don't be afraid to experiment! There are many great red wines that can be paired with Mexican food.

Here are a few specific wine recommendations for popular Mexican dishes:

* Tacos: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache

* Enchiladas: Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Syrah/Shiraz

* Chilaquiles: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot

* Carne Asada: Merlot, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon

Ultimately, the best red wine to pair with Mexican food is the one that you enjoy the most. So have fun and experiment!