The Best Wine To Drink With Fish Tacos, According To An Expert

Beer may be the first pairing partner that springs to mind for delicious fish tacos, but according to Catherine Fallis, Master Sommelier at Planet Grape, wine is also an excellent option. But not just any wine, of course; according to Fallis, the best bet to complement a fish taco is a white wine, preferably of the light-bodied and fizzy variety. In her opinion, a non-vintage Broadbent Vinho Verde fits the bill perfectly. 

As she says, "The star of fish tacos is seared or deep-fried delicate white fish with a dusting of chile powder or paprika, and a tangy dressing of lime juice, mayo, and sour cream over a cabbage slaw. It makes sense to think [of a] light, quaffable, and lightly fizzy white wine."

For those unfamiliar with its charms, Vinho Verde is a Portuguese wine notable for its fruity fizziness (generally due to artificial carbonation), and bottles feature low alcohol by volume. Broadbent's ABV, for example, is only 9%, with the wine carbonated via injection during the bottling process. 

This version is made from a blend of regional grapes, and the green fruit notes (the verde part of the name) include tangy and citrusy flavors that go well with the lime used in the taco dressing. That's not the only connection, though. Vinho Verde is also famed for its affinity with seafood and sauces. Like classic tacos, the wine is also quite affordable, with bottles often available in the $10 range.

‌If you're not a fan of white wine, expert Catherine Fallis also has some alternative pairings to recommend. Cabernet sauvignon may be a popular red with many, but the Master Sommelier actually prefers a pinot noir for drinking with fish tacos; specifically, an organically grown 2022 vintage from Girasole in Mendocino, California. Unlike many pinot noirs, which are expensive, this one is moderately priced at under $20. It's also light and fruity, and according to our expert, goes well with fish tacos.

Rosé, however, may be an even more appropriate match for the comfort food. This wine type, which is defined by its minimal grape skin contact during fermentation (hence, its lighter color), is considered optimal for summertime sipping — which is also a great time of year to enjoy fish tacos. Fallis' choice, a Broadbent Spritzy Rosé Wine sold in a can, is made, just like her preferred white wine, in Portugal's Vinho Verde region. The canned version, likewise, is spritzy and low in alcohol (less than 10% ABV), with an exceptionally affordable price tag.