Whether you have them for a weekend breakfast or a simple weeknight dinner, the well-spiced Mexican scramble calls out for a white wine with character and acidity, like the three disparate suggestions here.
MAKE THIS
MEXICAN SCRAMBLE
In a bowl, whisk together until blended: 8 eggs, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add 4 ounces fresh chorizo sausage, casing removed. Cook, breaking up pieces, until sausage is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add eggs. Cook, stirring gently, until almost set, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle eggs with 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese (mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack). Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa and refried beans. Makes: 4 servings
Recipe by Raeanne S. Sarazen
DRINK THIS
Pairings by sommelier Arthur Hon of Sepia, as told to Michael Austin:
2011 Caves Jean Bourdy Cotes du Jura Savagnin, Jura, France: For a dish with such creaminess and spice, we want a wine that has some inherent spices and a texture that will be pleasing with the scrambled eggs. Through aging, this wine enjoys a slightly oxidative character, which includes almond and spices, plus a precise acidity that will cut through the creaminess of the eggs and cheese.
2004 Chereau-Carre Les Clos du Chateau l’Oiseliniere Muscadet Sevre et Maine, Loire, France: Aged Muscadet is gaining traction, and this is a most memorable example of it. Here the acidy zing of Muscadet in its youth has transformed into something rounder and more tactile. The tart citrus notes of fresh Muscadet have evolved into savory spices and herbal notes that will make for an interesting complement to this Mexican-inspired egg dish.
2010 Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant Brut, Loire, France: A glass of bubbly pretty much always elevates a breakfast or brunch. Petillant is an almost out-of-fashion sparkling wine style but worth exploring with its lower pressure and its impression of softer and gentler bubbles. The naturally oxidative characters of chenin blanc and the generous orchard fruit flavors in this wine will serve as the perfect carefree backdrop to the dish.
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