When it comes to pairing wine with Indian food, the options can seem overwhelming. With so many spices, flavors, and textures, it can be difficult to know which wine will complement your dish. But fear not! We’ve put together a guide to help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your favorite Indian cuisine.
- Spicy dishes – Riesling or Gewürztraminer Indian food is known for its spiciness, and when it comes to pairing wine with spicy dishes, it’s important to choose a wine that can stand up to the heat. Riesling and Gewürztraminer are both excellent choices, with their fruity and floral notes helping to balance out the spice.
- Rich curries – Pinot Noir or Merlot If you’re enjoying a rich and creamy curry, a red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot can be a great option. These wines have enough tannins to cut through the richness of the sauce and bring out the flavors of the meat or vegetables.
- Tandoori chicken – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, and its unique flavor can be enhanced by a crisp white wine. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc both pair well with tandoori chicken, with their citrus and tropical fruit notes complementing the spiciness of the dish.
- Biryani – Syrah or Zinfandel Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that can be paired with a full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel. These wines have a bold flavor profile that can stand up to the complex flavors of biryani, making them the perfect complement to this classic Indian dish.
- Samosas – Sparkling wine or Rosé If you’re enjoying samosas as an appetizer, a light and refreshing wine like sparkling wine or Rosé can be a great choice. These wines have a crisp acidity that can cut through the richness of the fried pastry, while their fruitiness can complement the flavors of the filling.
In conclusion, pairing wine with Indian food doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these guidelines, you can choose a wine that will enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes and create a memorable dining experience. So, next time you’re enjoying Indian cuisine, don’t forget to uncork a bottle of wine and raise a glass to a perfect pairing!
Try our Chicken Dishes or Tandoori and pair it with your favorite Sonoma wines.