Tacos offer a versatile canvas for culinary creativity, making them a fantastic choice for dinner parties. Elevate your next gathering by pairing these flavourful bites with Canadian wines.
Here's how to match various taco components with your wine of choice.
Tortillas: The Foundation
Corn Tortillas: Their distinct flavour complements aromatic white wines. Marynissen Estates Winery 2020 Gewürztraminer, with its spicy aromas and floral notes, harmonizes with the corn's earthiness.
Flour Tortillas: These neutral bases are versatile. The soft 2022 Barrel Select Chardonnay from Meldville Wines provides a balanced backdrop, enhancing the tortilla's subtlety.
Fillings: Tailoring Your Wine Choice
Pork: The richness of pork, especially in spicy preparations, pairs excellently with off-dry rieslings. The slight sweetness and acidity of Pelee Island Winery’s 2019 Lighthouse Riesling balance the heat and fat, creating a harmonious experience.
Beef: For robust beef fillings, consider a medium-bodied red like 13th Street Winery’s 2023 Gamay. Its fruit-forward profile and stony minerality complement the savoury depth of beef without overpowering it.
Seafood: Light, flaky fish benefits from a zesty white wine like the 2021 Backyard Block Sauvignon Blanc from Creekside Estate Winery. The wine's citrus notes and acidity enhance the delicate flavours of the seafood.
Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken pairs well with SpearHead Winery’s 2022 Pinot Noir. This red wine from Okanagan Valley offers berry flavours and subtle earthiness, complementing the mildness of the chicken.
Vegetarian: For fillings like beans and grilled vegetables, opt for a vibrant rosé from Moon Curser Vineyards (we recommend their Heist Rosé, 2023). Its bright acidity and red fruit notes refresh the palate and enhance the veggies' natural flavours.
Toppings: Enhancing the Experience
Sour Cream and Cheese: These creamy elements benefit from wines with structure and crisp acidity. A young and crisp Canadian riesling cuts through the richness, providing balance.
Salsa Verde and Guacamole: Herbaceous toppings align well with sauvignon blanc and blends like Clos du Soleil’s 2022 Fumé Blanc. The wine's green notes mirror the freshness of the salsa and guacamole, creating a cohesive taste.
Lime Juice and Onions: These zesty additions are complemented by a sparkling wine. The effervescence and acidity of a Canadian sparkling wine cleanse the palate, priming it for the next bite.
Make Taco Night Memorable
Pairing tacos with Canadian wines transforms a casual meal into a sophisticated, yet enjoyable dining experience. Remember, you can create flavour combinations by considering each component, from tortilla to topping – and you can get creative with finding wine blends to fit all the components of your taco. At your next dinner party, showcase these fun wine pairings and let your guests savour the taste of tacos and local wines.
