The North in the glass:
Wines and Nuevo León cuisine
We usually associate wine production in Mexico with Coahuila and the Californias. Those lands are home to century-old vineyards and a long-standing winemaking tradition. However, in recent years, brave vineyards have emerged in Nuevo León. Active wineries can be found in places like García, Galeana, Higueras, Linares, and Montemorelos. This is how local vineyards are beginning to enrich traditional Nuevo León cuisine.
Nuevo León stands out throughout the country for its deep-rooted ranching culture. Its gastronomy prioritizes the quality of the raw ingredients over complex techniques or encyclopedic fusions of ingredients. The world of barbecue focuses on fine meat and direct fire. Due to the harshness of arid climates, tradition has always favored pairing these dishes with beer. Despite this, the nascent wine industry finds an ideal companion on the state's tables.
The Pairing Guide for Nuevo León Cuisine
Wine grounds us in the terroir, the land, and family rituals. Therefore, it finds a worthy interlocutor in a society where barbecue entails a sophisticated gathering. From lighting the charcoal to grinding salsas in a molcajete, everything builds a moment of shared joy. At Lacava.shop, we suggest specific pairings for the region's most emblematic dishes. Their great flavor deserves to be accompanied by premium labels.
1. Cabrito: subtlety and character
Cabrito is the most delicate standard-bearer of northern tables. Being a young meat, it possesses very specific fat and subtle lactic flavors. For this reason, it requires a wine that does not overpower it. We recommend a Tempranillo Crianza or a Spanish Garnacha. Their generous acidity impeccably cuts through the richness of the meat.
2. Cuts: arrachera and northern needle steak
Here we fully enter the realm of power. The marbling of a good northern cut demands a label with grip and present tannins. These components cleanse the palate after each bite. Choose a Cabernet Sauvignon aged in oak or a Malbec with sufficient body. Their robustness enhances the smoky touch of the grill.
3. Atropellado and machacado
Dried meat is a marvel of preservation and concentrated flavor. In atropellado, the level of salt and spices is usually high. Therefore, it requires the freshness of a Syrah rosé. A Chardonnay aged in wood also works well. A full-bodied white provides the ideal creaminess for egg with machacado.
4. Empalmes: the taste of corn and lard
This regional treasure is an explosion of textures where lard acts as a flavor detonator. The dish cries out for a Zinfandel or a silky Merlot. Their spicy notes perfectly accompany the griddle's touch. Likewise, they round out the seasoning of refried beans beautifully.
5. The sweet ending: Glorias de Linares
Glorias combine the intensity of sugar with the richness of goat's milk. This iconic dessert calls for a grand finale. A dessert wine or a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry are ideal. Their notes of date, fig, and caramel mystically embrace the essence of the gloria.
The Secret of the Grill: Wine Temperature
Monterrey's extreme climate presents a crucial technical challenge for red wine near the fire. To prevent the heat from the grill from ruining your bottle, follow these golden rules:
- Chill Reds: Place your robust reds in the ice bucket for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. They should enter the glass at around 16°C (61°F). The ambient heat will quickly bring them to their ideal temperature.
- Protect from the Sun: Never leave bottles directly exposed to sunlight or next to the hot grill bar. Thermal shock can completely alter their aromas in a few minutes.
Celebrating northern food with wine allows us to recognize that this cuisine is not simple country gastronomy. It is a complex cuisine full of valuable nuances. Its frankness is defined by direct fire and the practical attitude of the north. Here, the immaculate quality of the raw ingredients makes all the difference at the table.
At Lacava.shop, we invite you to prepare the corkscrew for your next barbecue. Take a look at our wide catalog of international wines. After all, every bottle is a map. Drinking it is an excellent way to explore the whole world from our own home.
