Experience Unique Tacos and Wine at C.V.N.E in Mexico

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Discover how C.V.N.E. redefines wine pairing with tacos, showcasing innovative combinations and expert insights to elevate casual dining experiences.

Introduction

The world of wine is often associated with formal settings and elaborate dinners, but recent trends are breaking these stereotypes. In a refreshing twist, Spanish winery C.V.N.E. showcased how wine can be enjoyed in casual settings, particularly through innovative food pairings with traditional Mexican cuisine. This article explores the dynamic relationship between wine and food, highlighting specific pairings that exemplify this evolving trend. We will delve into expert insights, tasting notes, and recommendations that demonstrate how you can elevate everyday meals with exceptional wines.

The Magic of Pairing: C.V.N.E. and Tacos Los Alexis

C.V.N.E., known for its rich heritage in winemaking, recently partnered with Tacos Los Alexis to highlight the versatility of its wines. The event featured a delightful pairing menu that celebrated authentic Mexican flavors alongside some of C.V.N.E.’s most notable labels.

One standout dish was a vegetarian huitlacoche taco, enhanced by a crispy cheese crust and topped with pickled vegetables and avocado. This vibrant taco was paired with La Val, an Albariño from the D.O. Rías Baixas region. Known for its mineral character and crisp acidity, La Val beautifully complemented the earthy flavors of huitlacoche while balancing the tanginess of the pickles.

What Makes La Val Special?

La Val is crafted from Albariño grapes sourced from Galicia’s granite and clay soils, which impart complexity and minerality to each sip. The vineyard‘s commitment to quality ensures that every bottle reflects the region’s unique terroir—a vital aspect for any discerning wine lover seeking authenticity in their selections.

Exploring Intensity: Tacos and Vertical Tastings

As the meal progressed, guests indulged in heartier tacos featuring charcoal-grilled carne asada wrapped in flour tortillas, along with a "taurino" volcano taco filled with cecina, longaniza, and chicharrón adobados on corn tostadas. Each dish provided an excellent excuse to explore C.V.N.E.’s Imperial Reserva through a vertical tasting of its 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages.

Understanding Vertical Tastings

Vertical tastings allow enthusiasts to experience how various vintages reflect climatic conditions throughout different years. While consistency is often sought after in wine production, nature’s influence results in unique characteristics across vintages—each offering varying levels of mineral complexity and aromatic profiles.

Imperial Reserva is emblematic of Rioja Alta winemaking tradition, blending Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano grapes grown on poor clay-limestone soils. This meticulous approach yields exceptional quality that aficionados appreciate.

Dessert Delight: Pairing Sweetness with Complexity

To conclude this culinary adventure, diners were treated to a luscious chocolate foam dessert accompanied by cheese ice cream—paired flawlessly with Imperial Gran Reserva 2012. This well-structured red presented dark fruit notes balanced by hints of compote and subtle animalistic undertones.

What Sets Imperial Gran Reserva Apart?

The Imperial Gran Reserva 2012 hails from some of Rioja Alta’s finest vineyards located at elevations between 550-650 meters above sea level. The cultivation methods—using bush vines in dry-farmed conditions—combined with Atlantic and continental climates create ideal circumstances for producing wines designed for aging.

Manual harvesting ensures only the best grapes are selected during a double sorting process. Fermentation occurs in oak vats followed by two years of aging in French and American barrels before extended bottle maturation takes place in C.V.N.E.’s historic cellars—resulting in a masterpiece reserved for only exceptional harvest years.

Breaking Wine Rules: A New Approach to Pairing

As the meal concluded, it became clear: there are no strict rules when it comes to wine pairings. One of the event’s key takeaways echoed a simple yet profound truth—“it’s your meal; you decide.” This philosophy encourages experimentation beyond traditional protocols.

Embracing Personal Preferences

Whether you’re enjoying tacos at home or hosting friends for dinner, remember that personal taste should guide your choices when pairing wine with food. Trust your instincts about what flavors work best together; after all, wine should enhance enjoyment rather than dictate it.

Conclusion

Wine doesn’t need to be confined to formal occasions; it can enrich everyday experiences—even tacos! The recent collaboration between C.V.N.E. and Tacos Los Alexis illustrates how diverse food options can harmonize beautifully with high-quality wines. By embracing new pairings like those highlighted here—with expert guidance—you can transform casual dining into extraordinary culinary journeys.

FAQ

What is the best way to pair wine with tacos?

• Consider matching bold flavors in tacos with similarly robust wines.
• Experiment with regional pairings; Mexican wines often complement traditional dishes effectively.

Can I enjoy white wine with meat dishes?

• Absolutely! Crisp whites like Albariño can offer refreshing contrast even against richer meats.

How do vertical tastings benefit my understanding of wine?

• They allow you to explore how different harvests affect flavor profiles while deepening your appreciation for vintage variations.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only enhance your dining experiences but also develop a more profound connection with the world of wine!

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash