From tacos to tequila, and sombreros to salsa, there are many ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But wine pairings for holidays is more forte because, well, wine is life. Plus, if you’re like me, the thought of drinking tequila all day just sounds like trouble.
But what bottles of wine are worth picking up for your Cinco de Mayo festivities? You know, the ones that will make people forget they’re supposed to be drinking margaritas? Let’s taco ‘bout it.
Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina 2017 $20.99
In the seaside town in the Basque region of Spain, San Sebastian is home to a low-alcohol, often fizzy, patio pounder wine, Txakolina. Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina is filled with notes of lime, green apple and salt. You’ll be wondering why you haven’t been drinking more of this before.
Pair with: Ceviche
Charles Smith Band of Roses Rosé 2017 $13.99
In today’s day, everyone’s saying yes way to rosé. So why would they say no now just because it’s Cinco de Mayo? This vibrant rosé from Charles Smith is made from 100 percent pinot gris. This rosé is floral with notes of peach, guava and passionfruit. These flavors will be sure to keep your tastebuds thirsty for another glass.
Pair with: Chicken tacos
MORE: Picking the perfect wine pairings for the holiday
Donnhoff Estate Riesling 2017 $23.99
Not all Rieslings are sweet and not all of them are dry. Donnhoff Estate Riesling 2017 lands right in the middle with an off-dry Riesling from Germany. From organically grown grapes, this highly acidic and aromatic wine fills your glass with notes of apricot, meyer lemon, honey and ginger. This wine’s sweetness and acidity make it the perfect accompaniment to spicy food — bring on the salsa.
Pair with: Chips and salsa
Prophecy Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $11.99
Who needs a margarita or a paloma when you can have a sauvignon blanc that tastes just like a grapefruit? Prophecy sauvignon blanc 2017, from New Zealand, showcases classical notes of citrus peel, lime and orange. This refreshingly crisp white is known for its zesty acidity and citrus aromas.
Pair with: Nachos
Trabanco Poma Áurea Sparkling Cider 2016 $16.99
In case you can’t decide between beer or wine, Trabanco Poma Áurea sparkling cider is your answer. This dry Spanish cider with notes of orchard flowers and chamomile is made from Austrian apples and turned into a fully sparkling wine.
Pair with: Queso dip
Avinyó Petillant 2017 $16.99
Just 45 minutes south of Barcelona is a town called Penedès. Avinyò is an organic producer making this traditional summertime wine. Petillant is the Catalan name for prickly wine. It’s vibrant, slightly effervescent and bracingly dry, with notes of honeysuckle and almond.
Pair with: Shrimp tacos
Broadside Margarita Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $19.99
If you can’t have a margarita, why not have a cabernet sauvignon from Margarita Vineyard in Paso Robles? Broadside 2016 is bursting with notes of black berries, cherry, vanilla, cedar and cassis. These flavors all become riper and smoother with just a little bit of air. So pour yourself a big glass.
Pair with: Steak fajitas
MORE: This mulled wine Sangria is perfect for Cinco De Mayo
Ecker Zweigelt (1 Liter) 2017 $15.99
Follow the liter and try Ecker Zweifelt. This red wine from Austria is producing a beautiful version of the Zweifelt grape. Zweifelt is a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent (tastes like pinot noir). This light, slightly tart and fruity wine is perfect for an afternoon summer barbecue.
Pair with: Carnitas
