Wine with Mexican Food? We’re Listening!

Mexican cuisine offers a broad range of flavors and ingredients that can vary by region, so when it's time to choose the best wine, it helps to start with the dishes you'll be ordering. Instead of focusing on the protein in your main entree, it's a good idea to pair wine with the dominant sauces. Whether it's spicy chili or earthy enchilada sauce, these flavors generally dominate the dish, and provide the perfect companion for your drink.

Red wines are known for their hearty complexity, allowing them to pair well with the smoky, earthy chipotle flavors found in the grilled meats and fiery chilies in Mexican food. 

We recommend Malbecs, Tempranillos, and Grenache wines, as the bold tasting profiles and tannins hold up well to hearty cuts of beef and vibrant spices. Lower in alcohol content and higher in acidity, these wines balance out tomato based and spicy dishes particularly well. 

Another popular option is Sangria, a tasty mixed drink consisting of red wine and chopped fruit. This sweet alcoholic punch pairs exceptionally well with spicy jalapeno and heavier meats like chorizo.

Brisk white wines are one of the best wines to pair with Mexican food. Fresh and crisp, these wines are an ideal complement to rich, cheesy Mexican food dishes. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling are phenomenal choices, with bright acidity that delicately balances heavier spices and creamy cheeses. 

Generally speaking, white wines are sweeter than red wines, with more acid content, making them perfect for pairing with spicy foods and hearty sauces. They're also the ideal companion for fresh seafood, like Baja fish tacos or grilled shrimp. 

Looking for something in between? Rose is the ideal accompaniment to the spiced, fruity flavors found in pork al pastor. 

Choosing the best wine with Mexican food can really help bring out the many complex flavors in your favorite dishes. Generally speaking, the spicier the dish, the colder and sweeter the wine should be, but in the end, it all comes down to your own personal preferences. 

If you're looking for the best wine to go with Mexican food, stop by our downtown Smyrna restaurant and explore our Happy Hour Smyrna Drink Menu. Not sure which wine to choose? To learn more about what wine goes with Mexican food, ask your server for recommendations from our bar program. 

The Corner Taqueria, your nearby Mexican restaurant, is serving up fresh and flavorful Mexican food in Smyrna seven days a week. Join us for lunch and dinner, and try a glass of wine this time!