What wines go best with chili con carne?

To find out which wine to drink with chili con carne, it's easy to deconstruct and translate this Mexican-sounding name. The word " chiles "translates into pepperswhereas the words " con carne "means with meat" .

As you can see, you'll need a heady wine with lots of character if you don't want your palate to be crushed.
The origins are controversial, to say the least, but a rather cute story to tell is that it is said to have originated in Texas. Initially, it was a simple dish simmered with chili peppers and prepared by Chili Queens in their homes before being sold locally. However, this dish also sees some less spicy variants, and sometimes even non-spicy ones for those less tolerant of spicy dishes. We'd like to give you a few tips on how to pair this dish.

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So what do you drink with a chili con carne?

For the traditional recipe : It's essential to start with a powerful wine, with spicy notes. The wine should still be supple on the palate, but may be slightly tannic.

 

For red wines with Chili Con Carne :

Since this is a dish that tends to originate in Latin America, a wine from the Chile based Carmenère or a Argentine Malbec will be perfect. The aromas of black fruit and cocoa and the characterful finish are a perfect match.

• If we stay in France, we'll have to choose a sunny wine. Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern Rhône Valley. Here too, you need to go for appellations with character.
• In the Languedocthe wines of Corbières will be perfect. They give off candied fruit aromas, are heady and often have a powerful finish. If you want a little more "finesse", opt for wines from Saint-Chinian for example. Complex, mineral with notes of roasting, toast and black fruit.
• A little further south, the wines of Roussillon offer their share of structured wines. Take a wine from Tautavel Their profile is interesting, with wines that are rich in flavor but smooth on the palate, often even with a touch of sweetness. This delicacy could calm down fiery chili con carne!
• Then enjoy a wine from the southern Rhône. Avoid reds that have spent too long in barrel. A wine from Liraca Rasteau or a Gigondas will be perfect. Depending on the blend, these wines will accompany the chili with spices and especially pepper, without overpowering the palate.

? Here are a few areas we recommend:  Catena Zapata ; Domaine La Maurine St Chinian ; Saint Préfert Châteauneuf du Pape.

 

For white wines with Chili Con Carne:

For white wine aficionados, this pairing is possible, but not with just any wine. This time, the choice will be based on strength and also on the family of aromas. Out with wines that are too delicate, with notes of white flowers. Here, we need opulent wine!

• For a classic look, a good Sauvignonstraight and lively will be fine. But remember to choose a fruity wine rather than one with too much minerality. Next, whites based on Marsanne and Roussanne will be top-notch.
• The power of Marsanne will accompany the spiciness of the dish, while Roussanne will create a Kiss Cool effect to round out the flavors. These two grape varieties are found in the following AOCs Crozes Hermitage or Saint-Joseph for example.
• Finally, an original but potentially interesting arrangement... A Gewurztraminer. It's a grape variety that loves the company of spices (it loves curry-based dishes, for example). Care should be taken to choose a wine with low residual sugar, but the aromas of exotic fruits and sweet spices could make this a "coup de coeur" pairing.

? Here are a few areas we recommend: Domaine Belle ; Paul Jaboulet ; Bernard Gripa ;  Weinbach

 

Now you know everything there is to know about pairing wine and chili con carne! Oh yes, February 26 is National Chili Day!

 

In all cases, we recommend that you seek advice from our food and wine pairing chart on the blog to get the best possible combinations. Which wine to serve with Chili Con Carne ? Red or white, mature wines are the perfect accompaniment to this succulent dish.

 

Looking for a good Chili Con Carne recipe?

? Chili con carne is a traditional Mexican dish made mainly of ground meat, kidney beans, tomatoes and spices. Here's a traditional chili con carne recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g minced meat (beef or pork)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 400g peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 400g cooked and drained kidney beans
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 250 ml beef broth