Authentic Mexican food is known for its bold, spicy, and zesty flavors, all of which can be enhanced with the right glass of wine. However, finding the right balance can take some experimenting. To get you started, here are some suggestions and guidelines to pique your taste buds.

Which Wines Should You Drink With Mexican Food?

Whites

When pairing food with wine, a good rule of thumb is to match the color of the beverage with that of the meat. White wine normally goes well with chicken and seafood, so try Sauvignon Blanc with fish ceviche or Riesling with pollo asado burritos. Crisp white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio have fresh citrus flavors that balance out the delicate taste of lightly seasoned dishes and those with verde sauces such as green chili and guacamole.

Since most white varietals contain high acidity levels, their sweet fruity flavors bring out the taste of spicy Mexican food. Their fairly lower levels of tannin—as compared to some red wines—tone down the burning sensation from chilies.

Rosé

When you’re unsure of what to pair with your empanadas, nachos, or tacos, go with a bright rosé as a step up from a dry white. Its bubbliness balances out the rich, varied textures of fillings, seasoned meat, and fresh vegetables. Like whites, a glass of rosé complements tomato-based dishes and tempers the spiciness of Mexican food, so pair it with your chile relleno or enchilada.

Reds

With Mexican food, skip the high-alcohol reds and choose ones that are not too tannic. Heavy red wines tend to heighten the spice when the tannins and alcohol mix with the flavor of chilies. Plus, the wine will end up tasting bitter. You can still pair lighter reds like Rioja Tinto with a carne asada burrito, juicy Shiraz with rich mole, or fruit-forward Zinfandel with carnitas tacos or red chile sauces.  

Level up your dining experience by pairing a glass of wine with Mexican food from Ono Loco Tacos. With two branches in Salt Lake and Wahiawa, HI, they offer authentic Mexican cuisine made with 30 years of experience and the freshest ingredients, from tacos and nachos to burritos and ceviche. Call (808) 376-8996 to order takeout, or view their full delectable menu online. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for specials and deals.