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Wines Under $30 That Will Pair Perfectly With Your Next Mexican Feast

Janice Williams
January 22, 2021

We all know how well tacos and tequila go together. And there’s nothing quite like an ice-cold, salt-rimmed margarita to add a splash of flavor to your Mexican takeout night. Beer and birria? Definitely a winner. But hear me out…

What about washing down your next carnitas burrito with an exquisite bottle of grenache? The sometimes leathery, sometimes spicy, dark fruit notes embedded in the wine are perfectly adept at uplifting the array of seasonings that typically marinate the tender roast pork. Or are you feasting on guac, spicy salsa, or ceviche-topped tostadas? Sauvignon blanc’s fresh acidity is a perfect counterbalance for the salty-crunchy combo of fried corn tortillas. Even a classic mound of nachos smothered with cheese, beans, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños can be leveled up nicely when washed down with some good old Spanish tempranillo.

Though wine in Mexico is absolutely booming, it’s still not the first adult beverage people think of when pairing Mexican dishes. We’re here to flip that script — by rounding up eight bottles that can stand up to hearty dishes like chicken mole (cabernet sauvignon) or enhance the brightness and lightness of ceviche tostadas (Sauvignon blanc). And since you’re already shelling out dollars on delivery, all the bottles listed below are priced under $30. They’re also available in brick-and-mortar and online retail shops across the U.S.

Vamanos!


Decibel Gimblett Gravels Malbec 2017

ABV: 13%

The Wine:

This rusty red wine, produced by U.S. expat Daniel Brennan, hails from vineyards in Hawke’s Bay that are situated around an area of the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island that’s famous for getting a lot of sun. That good weather combined with the natural rocky gravel of the region leads to a Malbec that is notably unique — with an earthy, mineral character.

Tasting Notes:

There are some floral and berry aromas that escape from the bottle along with fragrances of wet dirt after a rain. On the palate, the wine is almost chalky with notes of blue and blackberries and tight tannins—the naturally occurring polyphenol found in skins and seeds that results in fruit’s astringency. The finish is firm and lingering with hints of soils seeped with graphite and lead.

Bottom Line:

This wine has the body to pair with a wide range of hearty meals. It has the structure to hold up enchiladas sopping in salsa verde or starchy, meaty dishes like arroz con pollo.


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Click here to learn more about Decibel Gimblett Gravels Malbec

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