The best wine pairing for spicy food
Eating spicy dishes can present challenges when pairing wine and food. The spiciness of spices and sauces can overwhelm the flavor of the wine and make choosing the perfect one difficult. In this article, we'll explain the basics of wine and food pairing with spicy dishes and share the best wine recommendations for spicy food.
Basics of wine and food pairing
Wine and food pairing is an art that must be learned. Wine and food pairing is all about harmonizing or contrasting the flavors of the wine and food. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when pairing wine with spicy dishes:
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Choose high-acid wines: Spicy food can mellow the flavor of wine. High-acid wines like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc are good at balancing the spiciness and enhancing the wine's flavors.
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Avoid tannin-rich wines: Spicy foods can also increase the bitterness of tannins, which can impair the taste of the wine. Avoid tannin-rich wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
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Choose low-alcohol wines: Spicy food can increase the alcohol content of the wine and intensify the burning sensation in your mouth. Choose low-alcohol wines like Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Moscato d'Asti.
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Try sparkling wines: Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava and sparkling wine are a good choice to soften the taste of spicy dishes.
The best wines for spicy food
Now that you know the basics of wine and food pairing with spicy dishes, here are our top wine recommendations:
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Riesling : A classic Riesling from Germany or Austria is a good choice for spicy food. The wine's high acidity and slight sweetness complement the spiciness of the food.
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Sauvignon Blanc : A Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or Chile is a good choice for spicy foods. The wine's high acidity and grassy aromas pair well with hot spices.
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Chenin Blanc: A Chenin Blanc from South Africa or California is a good choice for spicy food. The wine's high acidity and fruity aromas pair well with spicy dishes.
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Moscato d'Asti: A Moscato d'Asti from Italy is a good choice for spicy food. The wine's low alcohol content and slight sweetness complement the spiciness of the food.
Another great choice for spicy dishes is a rosé wine. It's a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of spicy dishes. Rosé wine has a fresh, fruity flavor and is light enough not to overpower the spices of spicy dishes. We recommend the Drei Reben Rosé Wine to our customers. This rosé wine has a beautiful pink color and is fruity, light, and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with dishes like spicy shrimp, chicken taco, or even a spicy pizza.
Another great wine for spicy dishes is a cool, light white wine. Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal choice for spicy dishes, as it has high acidity and a vibrant freshness that helps soften the heat. We recommend Tourraine Sauvignon Blanc to our customers. This wine has a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes like an Indian curry or a Mexican dish like quesadillas.
Finally, it's important to note that there are no hard and fast rules when pairing wine with spicy food. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. However, by keeping the tips above in mind, you can be sure you'll enjoy a great wine and spicy food combination.
In our wine shop in Berlin, you'll find a wide selection of wines that pair perfectly with spicy dishes. Come by and let our wine coaches advise you. We'll be happy to help you choose the perfect wine for your next spicy meal. Visit us in our wine shop in Berlin or purchase online on our website. We deliver directly to your home!
