Tequila

White · Medium · Dry

The most-planted white grape and the most chameleon-like. Crisp and steely from Chablis; rich, oaky, and tropical from California. Read the label, then match the style to the dish.

Works with Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade +6 more Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade · Tequila Lime Shrimp · Tequila Lime Chicken · Halibut With Tequila Sauce · Salmon With Tequila Lime Sauce · Chicken-tequila Cream Fettuccini · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

Rosé · Light · Dry

Provence's gift to summer — dry, pale, faintly strawberry-and-citrus, with low alcohol and crisp acid. Made to drink cold, with food, in the shade.

Works with Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade +5 more Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade · Tequila Lime Shrimp · Tequila Lime Chicken · Salmon With Tequila Lime Sauce · Chicken-tequila Cream Fettuccini · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

White · Light · Dry

Citrus, cut grass, and a wire of acid. Marlborough makes it loudest; Sancerre makes it most refined. Either way, it cuts cleanly through goat cheese, herbs, and anything with shellfish.

Works with Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Lime Shrimp +4 more Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Lime Shrimp · Tequila Lime Chicken · Halibut With Tequila Sauce · Salmon With Tequila Lime Sauce · Chicken-tequila Cream Fettuccini

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

Works with Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade +3 more Chicken Tequila · Tequila Chicken · Tequila Marinade · Tequila Lime Chicken · Salmon With Tequila Lime Sauce · Chicken-tequila Cream Fettuccini

White · Medium · Dry

Pacific Northwest Sémillon — Washington and California's quiet white grape, with waxy texture, lemon curd, and the structure to age.

Works with Grilled Tequila-lime Chicken · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

White · Medium · Dry

Argentine whites, broadly — Torrontés is the signature, with jasmine and stone fruit; some serious Chardonnay from high-altitude vineyards.

Works with Grilled Tequila-lime Chicken · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

Red · Medium · Dry

Shiraz's more reserved European cousin — Northern Rhône style, all violets, black olive, and white pepper. Less brawn, more poise; pairs as well with lamb as with peppered duck breast.

Works with Grilled Tequila-lime Chicken · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Spain's traditional-method sparkling, made in Catalunya. Crisper and chalkier than Prosecco; remarkable value next to Champagne. Pair with jamón, tortilla, and grilled vegetables.

Works with Tequila Marinade · Tequila Lime Shrimp

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Méthode champenoise from the most chalk-rich corner of France — fine bubbles, brioche, lemon zest, and a finish that goes on for half a minute. The wine for anything fried, salty, or special.

Works with Halibut With Tequila Sauce · Salmon With Tequila Lime Sauce

White · Medium · Dry

Chardonnay grown on Burgundy's chalkiest soils, almost never oaked. Lean, steely, oyster-shell minerality; a wine that tastes like a place. The wine for shellfish, full stop.

Works with Grilled Tequila-lime Chicken · Tequila Lime Chicken With Cilantro Dressing

Sparkling · Light · Sweet

Asti's more refined sibling — gently frizzante, only 5-6% alcohol, all peach and orange blossom. The perfect summer dessert wine.

Works with Orange, Tequila · Tequila Lime Chicken

White · Light · Dry

Italy's everyday white — light, lemony, neutral by design. Pleasant with anything; profound with very little. The best Friuli bottles are quietly excellent.

Works with Tequila Lime Shrimp · Halibut With Tequila Sauce