The Wine List: 3 Wines to Pair With a Mezcal-Forward Oaxacan-Inspired Taco Party

What to Pair With Mezcal

Kicking it Down a Notch

If you thought asparagus was hard to pair with wine, we’d like to introduce you to our friend mezcal, a rip-roaring spirit of undeniable charm and complexity that is, nonetheless, kryptonite to the subtleties of wine pairing. In this case, those who are abstaining from the mezcal are probably looking for something less aggressive and likely (much) less powerful, but still able to accompany the food with confidence. A low-alcohol option, then, seems like a place where people can enjoy the vibe, but still bounce back like a pro in the a.m.

Stoneleigh Lighter Rosé — $19

Our southern hemisphere brethren have taken the global lead on making wines with less alcohol (this one’s 9.5 percent) that don’t drop a step in the flavour department. This offering from Kiwi stalwart Stoneleigh is fresh, crispy and has a decidedly delicate profile that can pair wonderfully with salsa.

Yalumba Y Series Lighter Chardonnay — $17

Australia’s legendary Yalumba takes us down in alcohol—we’re now at seven percent—but up in body and texture, with a mellow ripe nectarine and a low-key meyer lemon curd note that signals this is definitely in chardonnay territory. Like the Stoneleigh, the value-add here is that the wine hits with a lighter wallop and is phenomenally low in calories.

READ MORE: How to Host an Oaxacan-Inspired Cocktail Party at Home

Vinho Verde Lago Rosé — $13

Unlike the first two wines that are engineered to be low in alcohol, wines from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region just always naturally end up in the nine to 11 percent range. This bottle is 100-percent vinhao grape (don’t worry, we didn’t know it either) and is off-dry, meaning the touch of sweetness that comes from the ample wild strawberry and ripe cherry notes will be happy to go toe-to-toe with any stray hot peppers.

READ MORE: Recipes: 2 Smoky Mezcal Cocktails to Start the Night