Pairings with tamales to celebrate Candlemas Day

Valle de Guadalupe , Baja California, January 2022.- In Mexico, on the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, it is customary to share the Rosca de Reyes . Those who find baby Jesus in their slice become godparents and have to offer tamales on February 2, the day Jesus was presented in the temple.

Tasting tamales on this date is a gastronomic treat that demands drinks of equal or greater aromatic, gustatory and tactile complexity like wine .

Vinícola El Cielo recommends the following pairings with Mexican wines for the classic tamales present in all states of the Republic:

Tamales Oaxaqueños or Tamales de Mole pair perfectly with Perseus, with Nebbiolo and Sangiovese grapes, it has notes of wet earth, truffle, red and black fruits; its fruity and spicy character makes it a wine with great structure, round in the mouth and with a long permanence.

Try it also with Zeus (Zinfandel), which, due to its ageing in the barrel, reveals aromas of roasted coffee, coconut candy, black pepper, leather, black truffle and chocolate. It has a medium-high attack that blends with fine, polished tannins and a long aftertaste. In the 2021 edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles held in Luxembourg, it won the 2021 Grand Gold Medal and Revelación México, it was one of the highest-rated red wines in the entire competition.

Another option is Sirius (Nebbiolo and Malbec), this wine has a perfect balance between alcohol, acidity and astringency, with a long finish.

Finally, an incredible pairing for mole tamales is G&G by Ginasommelier Gran Reserva Malbec, with notes of ripe red and black fruit, fine aromas of tobacco, chocolate and spices with a pleasant floral touch at the end. It has a high attack and astringency that combines with a balanced acidity, present alcohol and a long aftertaste.

The white wine G&G by Ginasommelier Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect match for the Rajas Tamales . Its aromatic intensity highlights notes of apple and white flowers, butter, roasted coffee and vanilla aromas. The elegance of the wine due to its partial fermentation in wood will be the perfect accompaniment to the smoothness of the dish.

Another option is Selene (Grenache and Syrah) with delicate aromas of peach, white flowers, guava, lime and pink pepper; on the palate it is subtle, medium-bodied with great balance and a long finish.

Continuing with the rosés, G&G by Ginasommelier Rosé (Syrah, Grenache and Moscato di Canelli), this delicious wine has good volume on the palate and great balance between its components with a long finish.

If it's red wine for tamales de rajas, we recommend Quasar (Cabernet Sauvignon). It's a very aromatic wine with notes of fruit like currants and cherries that combine with aromas of fresh flowers. It's light and very balanced on the palate, where its acidity, alcohol and body provide a very pleasant sensation. This wine is from the recently launched Young Line and for the moment it's sold exclusively in the Winery's Virtual Store.

Green tamales pair very well with Cassiopea (Sauvignon Blanc) with a pleasant fruity character where citrus notes predominate, with great balance between its components and a medium-long finish. The fresh note of the wine is the driving force of the harmonization with the acidity of the green sauce.

Sweet tamales , whether pineapple or strawberry, harmonize with the Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime Champagne; its freshness contributes to the balance of the fat in the tamales and will blend deliciously with the sweet touch of the tamale and the Champagne.

Another option is Capricornius (Chardonnay), with aromas of pineapple, citrus, guava and nutmeg. Thanks to its time in the barrel, it presents aromas of coffee and vanilla; with a balance between its components and a long and very elegant aftertaste.