Mexican

Chicken Enchiladas

baked • cheesy • chili sauce

Also known as: enchiladas verdes, enchiladas rojas

About the Dish

Chicken Enchiladas is a mexican baked that leans on baked, cheesy, chili sauce. We look for bottles that respect the texture and seasoning without drowning the dish.

Our goal: keep the baked feel intact while adding lift from Mendoza Malbec.

Top Pour:  Mendoza Malbec

Dark fruit and soft tannins complement chili sauce and melted cheese.

Body: fullAcidity: mediumTannin: highSweetness: dry

Why it works

  • Dense fruit soaks up steak char and peppercorn crusts.
  • Firm tannin binds with beef fat, keeping the bite clean.

Signature aromas

blackberryvioletcocoa

Bottle inspiration

Catena Zapata Malbec 2021

Mendoza, Argentina • classic

Blackberry, violet, and cocoa accented by polished tannins.

Pairing Playbook

Solid Alternates

Rioja Reserva TempranilloColchagua Carménère
Rioja — Body: mediumRioja — Acidity: mediumRioja — Tannin: mediumRioja — Sweetness: dryColchagua — Body: mediumColchagua — Acidity: mediumColchagua — Tannin: mediumColchagua — Sweetness: dry

FAQ

What wine pairs best with Chicken Enchiladas?
Mendoza Malbec is our first pour because Dark fruit and soft tannins complement chili sauce and melted cheese..
Are there budget-friendly alternatives for Chicken Enchiladas?
If Mendoza Malbec is out of reach, grab Rioja Reserva Tempranillo—it shares the same structure and keeps the food in focus.
Which wines should I avoid with Chicken Enchiladas?
Skip styles like delicate whites, very light reds—they fight the seasoning or overwhelm the dish.
What if I want a non-alcoholic pairing for Chicken Enchiladas?
Try sparkling water with a citrus twist, chilled oolong tea, or verjus spritzes—they mirror acidity without the alcohol.

Skip These Bottles

delicate whitesvery light reds

Explore Related Styles

Cahors MalbecRibera del Duero Tempranillo

These bottles share structural traits with Mendoza Malbec. Great options when the shelf is bare.