When you are hungry, nothing quite hits the spot like Latin cuisine. With its burst of flavors and combination of textures, Latin food is just as interesting as it is delicious. However, because of its complexity, it can also be difficult for people to know which wine to order with their meal.

Enjoying Wine With Latin Cuisine

1. Side With Sweet

Sweet and spicy complement one another very well, which is why many chefs recommend siding with a sweeter wine when enjoying Latin cuisine. Because many Latin sauces are tomato based, the sweetness in a Merlot or Zinfandel pair well with the spice and acidity level of red sauces.

2. Look to Your Protein for Direction

While it isn’t always easy to know how spicy a dish will be until it arrives, you can always look to the main protein of the dish for wine selection inspiration. Traditionally, red wines are known to work well with red meats like beef, while white wines work better with fish and poultry. Crisp wines work well with tart meat marinades, and Pinot Noirs taste wonderful when served alongside pork.

3. Go Bubbly

Sparkling wines create a nice contrast to heavy sauces or salty foods, so think about asking for a nice glass of champagne with those fried plantains or empanadas. Ask your waiter about their current sparkling wine selection to brighten your meal.

Whether you are planning a brunch with friends or your stomach is growling for a hearty dinner, you can find exactly what you need at Mamajuana Cafe Paterson. With a carefully crafted menu containing everything from traditional Latin favorites and wine to croquettes and slow-roasted Caribbean pork, you can enjoy a delicious meal the next time you find yourself in Paterson, NJ. To explore their offerings, visit their website or give them a call (973) 925-5172.