Mexican Wine Brands You Should Recognize And Try On A Wine List
Most people are familiar with French and California wines. Oenophiles will rave about Italian and Spanish wines. Chile is known for its cheap, but very delicious wines. And Mexico? Yes. Mexico makes great wines, too.
The country of Mexico may not be in the top 10 for producing wine, but that doesnt mean their wine quality isnt superb. French, Italian and Spanish varietals grow well here in the semi-arid terrain. Mexico has the perfect combination of hot days and cool nights in 3 distinct wine regions in Mexico: The North region encompasses Baja and Sonora. La Laguna covers Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango. The states of Queretaro, Guanajuato, Aguacalientes, and Zacateca make up the Bajio region.
Mexico has been growing grapes for well over 400 years, but the real boom in the Mexican wine industry began in the 1970s. Many Mexican wine drinkers are still in the beginning stage of enjoying wine, preferring sweet wines or fruit bombs. White wines arent getting the attention they deserve though this is the perfect place to grow Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and blends are still the preferred choice of production.
Best Value: Banhez Ensemble
Region: Oaxaca | ABV: 40% | Tasting notes: Tropical fruit, smoke, pepper
Produced by 36 families in the Oaxacan municipality of San Miguel Ejutla, this mezcal is steeped in the traditions and terroir of its home. The cooperative members roast their own espadín and barril agave in earthen-pit ovens, grind with a horse-drawn tahona, and distill it in rustic stills to produce a mezcal rich in smoke flavor but with fruit-forward notes of ripe banana, guava, and pineapple. Its a bargain for a mezcal Old Fashioned.
Shopping Hours In Mexico
Shopping hours in Mexico vary by the type of store and the size of the town or city you are in. Generally speaking, Mexican stores offer shoppers extended opening hours and many stores are open on Sundays, too.
Note about Parking at Shopping Centers in Mexico: Parking used to be free at supermarkets, but in bigger towns and cities parking is now charged for. Two hours of parking, with a stamped ticket, costs a nominal fee without a stamp, charges escalate to significant amounts. The charges were introduced to prevent local commuters from parking in the shoppers spaces. Out of town shopping centers and those in smaller towns and cities continue to offer free parking for shoppers.
Supermarkets: Supermarkets and Hypermarkets are open extended hours seven days a week. Some stay open twenty-four hours a day, depending on the store and the location. During the immediate run-up to Christmas, many supermarkets in Mexico City stay permanently open to deal with the additional demand at that time of year.
Shopping Malls: Mexicos shopping malls typically begin trading daily from 11 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Shopping centers with cinema complexes stay open later to let cinema-goers out after the late shows, but most of the stores at these malls close about 9 p.m.
Convenience Stores: Franchised convenience stores like Seven-Eleven, Circle K, and OXXO, are open extended hours, from early morning to late night, and a few are open 24/7. See Also:Just for Your Convenience
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Buying Clothes In Mexico
When youre looking for clothes in Mexico, there are a number of outlets which offer clothing, from basic garments to up-scale boutiques offering the latest designer fashions:
Local Markets: Youll always find at least a few stalls at a Mexican market selling a range of clothes and clothes accessories . Both ambulant and fixed markets may have clothes for sale at some of the stalls. These markets are popular with younger Mexicans looking for certain fashion items and the value-savvy shoppers seeking out interesting clothes at attractive prices. Traders at some of these markets offer hand-made artisan clothes produced in Mexico the quality varies but they offer a genuine alternative to mass-produced factory clothing, usually imported from far-eastern countries. Designer labels on clothes sold at market stalls may or may not be genuine.
Supermarkets: Supermarkets are one of the more popular places for people buying no-frills, everyday clothing in Mexico. Wal-Mart, Soriana, CostCo and others offer sections where you can buy clothes and theyre the ideal place to find a swim suit or other casual wear if you forgot yours when youre traveling or on vacation.
Department Stores: Department stores like Liverpool, Palacio de Hierro and Sears have extensive clothing ranges in their stores, including designer brands imported from the USA and Europe.
What Mixes Right With Mezcal
There are many mezcal drinks worth exploring, from a smoky agave Old Fashioned, which incorporate bitters and simple syrup or sugar, to a mezcal Margarita, and beyond. Practically anything that calls for tequila can be modified to allow mezcal to shine in the recipe, too. It also is an interesting replacement for whiskey and smokier Scotches in other cocktail recipes.
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Mexican Residents Shopping Abroad
If you reside in Mexico, you will probably, sooner or later, go shopping in the USA. Many Mexicans who can afford to, go to the US on shopping trips during the course of the year.
Not too many years ago, the reason for going abroad to shop was that Mexicos stores lacked choice and variety due to strict import regulations today, people go to the USA to shop because prices for identical goods are cheapersometimes a lot cheaperthan the same thing purchased in Mexico City.
Price differences of durable and technological goods have narrowed in recent years, but the gap can still be significant for certain items. The USA has such a competitive and efficient market that prices of goods there are lower than most other countries world-wide, not just Mexico.
Mexicos customs are pretty strict on the duty-free allowances, so when you get back to Mexico, be sure you know what youre allowed to bring back duty-free. The exact details are printed on customs form you sign at the port of entry here is a summary of the allowances per person, taken from the latest customs form:
- Personal Luggage: including new and used goods for personal use to include clothes, footwear, personal hygiene and beauty items which, according to the form: reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes
- Two photographic or video cameras and twelve rolls of film or videotapes
- Two mobile phones or pagers
- One typewriter
Mexico in your inbox
When You Look At A Wine List For A Restaurant In Mexico Youll Typically See 3 Things:
- The list of white wines is short if they even exist. Chardonnay is your most typical white wine.
- Theres plenty of red wines to choose from.
- The prices are usually equivalent to US prices.
Mexico knows it produces quality wines, the same as California. And though the country may be better known for tequilla and mezcal, you can find elegant blends and sparkling wines that will impress you just as much as any Italian or Spanish wine.
The next time you visit Mexico, ask for the wine list and check out the Mexican Wines list. Under reds you will find Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec as the most prominent. The section for whites is always short but Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sparkling wines are also very good. Below we list some of our favorite Mexican wines. Some of these wineries export worldwide, so you may find them in your local wine store. Others are still new to the wine scene, but the attention to detail can be tasted and worth a try.
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Where Can I Buy A Mexican Wine Named Sangre De Cristo
New Mexico has the longest history of wine production in the United States. In 1629, Franciscan friar Garcia de Zuniga and a Capuchin monk named Antonio de Arteaga planted the first wine grapes in the Rio Grande valley of southern New Mexico. Viticulture took hold in the valley, and by the year 1880, grapes were grown on over 3,000 acres , and wineries produced over 1,000,000 gallons of wine. The wine industry in New Mexico declined in the latter decades of the nineteenth century in part due to flooding of the Rio Grande. Prohibition in the United States forced many wineries to close, while others remained operational providing sacramental wine to Christian churches. The modern New Mexico wine industry received significant support in 1978 when a government-sponsored study encouraged winegrowers to plant French hybrid grape varieties. Annual wine festivals help promote awareness of the growing New Mexico wine industry. The industrys growth is
A Wealth Of Pairing Opportunities For Mexicos Wines
To state the obvious, Mexican wine and food pair beautifully. At Yucatan-inspired Chaak Kitchen in Tustin, California, owner Ed Patrick suggests Rogantos Piccolo, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that would pair well with the restaurants 11-hour smoked cochinita pibil. Meanwhile, Gubesch is currently pouring the Bodegas de Santo Tomás 2016 Blanca México with uni tostadas. Made from the Mission grape, the wine is little funky with a fino Sherry-like nose and a savory freshness reminiscent of the sea, she says.
At La Contenta Oeste, a 2015 Santos Brujos Tempranillo adds a lovely fruit top note to the tomatoes, olives, raisins and plantains in Arce Motas branzino Veracruz. Need to pair corn and tomatoes? Try the Bodegas Henri Lurton Chenin Blanc.
It makes peoples hearts melt to eat queso fundido with a Mexican red wine, says Eric Jefferson, general manager of La Calenda in Napa.
Becerra says Mexican wines can perform well with any American cuisine.
Theyre our neighbors, for chrissakes, he says. To me, it makes perfect sense to include Baja wines in an American restaurant.
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Commitment To Service & Selection
At Worldwide Wine & Spirits we are committed to bringing you the best experience possible when you shop for tequila online. We have a passion for matching our customers with flavorful brands from all over the world and work hard to provide you with tequila in a range of price options, so you can find whats best for your occasion and budget. Order tequila today from us and well make sure it arrives safely to your doorstep within a matter of days!
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Add These Mexico Selection By Cmb Award
- Mundano Reserva Merlot 2015 Baja California Vinos Para el Mundo S. de R.L. de C.V.
- Don Leo Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Don Léo
- Mezcla Bordalesa Viñas de la Erre
- Emilia Rosado 2020 Puerta del Lobo
- Chateau Camou Merlot 2017 Chateau Camou
- Tinto de la Hacienda 2016 La Lomita
Gold and Silver Medal Winners
You can review the official list of Gold and Silver medal winners here.
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The Us Chefs And Restaurateurs Embracing Mexican Wine
Growing up in Mazatlán, a town in the state of Sinaloa on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Luis Arce Mota would watch his father and friends share a bucket of boiled shrimp while drinking small bottles of Pacifico to fend off the heat.
It was beer, beer, beer, says Arce Mota, owner/chef of La Contenta and La Contenta Oeste in New York City. Everything in Mexico is about class. Beer is for the people, the proletariat.
Arce Mota did not grow up with wine, nor do a majority of Mexican immigrants to America. The Mexicans in the United States are the people who couldnt make it back home, he says. Its hard work growing corn, especially when you make $10 a day. We dont have access to jobs or education in Mexico. You have to , work as a dishwasher and grow from there.
Arce Mota arrived in the United States in the early 1990s and started his hospitality career in the dish pit of Carmines Italian Restaurant in Times Square. He worked for chefs like David Bouley, Michael Lomonaco, Michael Romano and César Ramirez.
Arce Motas wine education was informal, gradual and disconnected from the Mexican cuisine he cooked until he rediscovered wines from Valle de Guadalupe in Baja Mexico.
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Now, at La Contenta, he offers one of the only wine lists in America comprised exclusively of Mexican wines.
Award Winning Mexican Wines: Concours Mondial De Bruxelles
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is one of the most established wine competitions in the world.
The competition, now on its 28th edition, happens every year in different major cities around the world. The 2021 edition was held in Luxembourg between June 17-27. Over 9000 wines competed, and the judges panel included over 300 wine experts from 50+ different countries.
Mexico won 59 medals in 2021. We were excited to see that Bodega los Cedros and Bodegas Roganto, two family-owned wineries we work with, won Gold And Medal awards.
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What Does The Future Hold For Mexican Wine In America
The next few years will be important for the Mexican wine industry. Young, homegrown winemakers like Lulu Martinez Ojeda are on the lips of sommeliers across the U.S. Sales are up in Mexico, fueled by high-end dining in Mexico City and at resorts.
I dont think weve hit inflection point yet, says Bracamontes. In the music world, you can always feel a hit record developing, especially when you start getting calls from the middle of the country. Im getting that exact feeling with Mexican wines.
Hes begun to investigate the possibility to import wine from Coahuila, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro and Aguascalientes.
For Arce Mota, to serve Mexican wine is personal. Hes proud of a product made in his home country. Hes excited to share it with his guests. And as Mexican wine becomes more popular, he hopes that it will create a few more quality jobs back home.
All the Mexican wines I can get, I will carry, says Arce Mota. We put them out into the market so people will know about them. For me, now that I understand, I want every Mexican restaurant to serve at least one Mexican wine.
Why Buy At Drinks& co
Drinks& Co is the best European e-commerce of wines, beers, champagnes, spirits and gourmet products from all around the world. Our wide-ranging catalogue offers more than 90,000 products in 14 countries and, even though we are a Spanish company, we boast more than 150,000 customers spread over the whole continent. Thanks to our user-friendly search engine, our website provides you with comprehensive information about each product including customer reviews. Striving to guarantee great value for money, Drinks& Co counts on the support of our in-house experts in order to offer the products that meet your tastes and needs.
Having a unique catalogue at your disposal enjoying the natural ease of online shopping and the satisfaction to receive your purchase at home or at work within 48 hours finding the best prices on the market accessing exhaustive information about products with personalised recommendations These are only some of the great advantages available when you buy wine with Drinks& Co.
We are always on the lookout for the latest trends, rare drinks, special products, wines acclaimed by experienced critics, as well as author’s or organic wines so that you can buy wine for yourself or as a gift. Buy wine for your enjoyment.
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Buying Medicine And Medications In Mexico
You will never be very far away from a pharmacy in Mexico. Notwithstanding this, a number of outlets, other than pharmacies, sell prescription drugs in Mexico, and pharmacies themselves sell a lot of other things besides medicines.
See Also:Healthcare in Mexico
Pharmacies: Every town has at least one pharmacies with at least one of those open 24/7. All cities have at least one pharmacy in the locale where you live. Before the days of supermarkets and convenience stores, pharmacies in Mexico were important stores which supplied a number of sought-after products other than medicines: the most common were soaps, shampoos, creams, make-up and and other items associated with personal hygiene. They also sold ice-cream and confectionery, sodas, and some even stocked a range of simple toys and board games. Today you will find some pharmacies still selling these items, although most have substituted the obscure goods for items such as vitamin supplements, diabetes testing kits, contact lenses, bottled water, and other modern healthcare fashion items. Look for the word Farmacia some have more elaborate titles like Farmacia Familiar or Farmacia de Descuento. Farmacias Similares is a franchise offering low-cost generic drugs. Also read about pharmacies and medications on the Mexperience guide to Health and Healthcare in Mexico.
What’s The Best Way To Drink It
You can swap in mezcal in any tequila-based drink, including margaritas, but given its rich, intense character, its also a good substitute for Scotch or whiskey in classics like the Old Fashioned. But its wonderful sipped neat in a traditional manner, followed by an orange slice dipped in sal de guisano, a salt blended with chiles and insect larva.
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How Can I Get Roganto Piccolo Wine In The Us
We just got back from the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar and had a great mexican wine called Piccolo. It is made from a winery in Baja called Roganto. I want to buy some here in the US, but did an internet search and cannot even get it online. Is anyone familiar with this wine? If so, how can I get it?
Any luck with the Picolo wine?
We had Picolo and another Mexican wine called Madeira EXCELLENT.
In fact the Picolo was the best red wine we had ever had – WE WANT MORE!
We had ours at the La Estancia resort in Cabo San Lucas in early July 2012.
I am thinking of getting a hold of the La Casona restaurant at the La Estancia to see if they have contact information for the Picolo.
Will let you know if I get anything.
Regards
Here is the web page for the winery. Click on “welcome” then “contacto” for their contact info.
The Piccolo does not appear to be available..:(((
Email to ask…
Just get some wine in a Black Box, probably the same vintage
We also just experienced the Piccolo wine at Pitahayas in Los Cabos. Did you ever find it anywhere in the US?
Piccolo is a great wine. Retailing for about $20 bottle at El Wine Shop and Baja Wines in SJD. Can’t remember if La Europea in Cabo has it.
It is typically very difficult to find Mexican wines in the US. Enjoy it while in Cabo and come back again.
The winery is in Northern Baja, I’m planning a trip there, will report later what I find, I have tasted their Piccolo blend of reds , and their Chardonnay , and will love to have it again.
