Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a cherished celebration in Mexico. Observed on November 1st and 2nd, this vibrant holiday brings families together to honor loved ones who have passed. Colorful altars adorned with marigolds, photographs, candles, and food offerings capture the beauty of the tradition and offer a warm welcome to the spirits of the deceased. At the heart of this celebration are delicious traditional Mexican dishes that convey love, memory, and respect for heritage.
This year, BHW brings an extra layer of elegance to Día de los Muertos with wine pairings that honor the holiday’s culinary traditions. Carefully selected wines elevate each dish, complementing the rich flavors and enhancing the experience of togetherness. Here’s a look at some classic Día de los Muertos dishes and the best wine pairings from our collection.
Traditional Día de los Muertos Dishes and Wine Pairings by BHW
2023 La Bollina Canelli Moscato DOCG
Dish: Pan de Muerto — This sweet, round bread, often topped with sugar and flavored with orange blossom, is a staple on Día de los Muertos altars. Bone-shaped decorations symbolize the connection between life and death, making Pan de Muerto a deeply meaningful (and delicious) tradition. The light, floral sweetness of Moscato, with its notes of peach and citrus, complements the delicate sweetness and orange blossom flavors in Pan de Muerto without overpowering it.
2019 Casa Madero Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Parras Valley Coahuila Mexico
Dish: Mole Negro — Mole negro is a rich, complex sauce made from a mix of dried chilies, spices, nuts, and a hint of chocolate, typically served over chicken or turkey. With its smoky, earthy depth, mole negro is an iconic dish for Día de los Muertos. Malbec’s robust flavors and notes of dark fruit and spice stand up to the bold, complex flavors of mole negro. The wine’s smooth tannins and earthy undertones complement the rich, smoky sauce, creating a harmonious pairing.
2016 Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva Rioja
Dish: Tamales — Tamales, made from masa filled with chicken, pork, cheese, or chilies, are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to create a warm, comforting dish. Each region offers its own tamale style, with flavors that vary across Mexico. Rioja’s bright acidity and red fruit notes enhance the savory flavors of tamales, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the masa. The subtle oak influence in the wine adds a layer of complexity that pairs well with various fillings.
2018 El Circo 'Contorsionista' Cabernet Sauvignon
Dish: Tacos de Carnitas — These beloved tacos are made with slow-cooked, tender pork served on warm tortillas and topped with fresh onion and cilantro. Carnitas tacos bring rich, juicy flavors to the Día de los Muertos table. Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold structure and flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spice complement the richness of carnitas. The wine’s firm tannins and acidity balance the juicy, savory pork, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.
2010 Calyptra Solvita Late Harvest Cachapoal Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Dish: Calabaza en Tacha — Calabaza en Tacha, or candied pumpkin, is a traditional dessert made by slow-cooking pumpkin with piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) and spices, creating a rich, caramelized treat that embodies the flavors of fall. While not a traditional dessert wine, a slightly sweet Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavors of Calabaza en Tacha. Its citrus and tropical fruit notes, along with a hint of herbaceousness, balance the dessert’s sweetness and spices.
Honoring Tradition and Cherished Memories
Día de los Muertos is a time to celebrate life, honor heritage, and share a meal that brings back cherished memories. BHW’s wine selections elevate the holiday with pairings that enrich traditional dishes, allowing families to connect through flavors both new and familiar. These wines are meant to complement the heart and soul of each recipe, honoring the holiday’s essence in every sip.
Celebrate this Día de los Muertos with a BHW wine pairing that brings your dishes to life. Toast to the memories, flavors, and connections that make this holiday truly special!
Check out Big Hammer Wines' Día de los Muertos Collection for these featured wines and more to make your celebration unforgettable
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