Chicken Curry Wine Pairing – 15 Best Wines for Chicken Curry

Are you a fan of chicken curry?

If so, you know that there are many factors to consider when preparing this delicious dish, from the spices and ingredients to the cooking method.

However, one important aspect that often gets overlooked is the wine pairing.

Yes, you read that right – chicken curry wine pairing is a thing, and it can make all the difference in your dining experience.

In this article, we will explore the best wines for chicken curry and provide you with 15 options to choose from.

Whether your chicken curry is creamy, spicy, or red, we’ve got you covered with our expert recommendations.

So, grab a glass and let’s dive into the world of chicken curry wine pairing!

But first, what wine goes with chicken curry?

The best wines to pair with chicken curry are Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. These white wines provide a crisp contrast to the rich flavor of the curry while still complementing its spiciness. For red wine drinkers, try Pinot Noir or Gamay for an equally tasty pairing.

Understanding Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from India but has since gained popularity worldwide. It is a versatile dish that can be made in various ways, with different spice blends and cooking techniques.

However, the essential ingredients in a chicken curry recipe are chicken and a sauce or gravy made with spices, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomato.

The spices used in chicken curry vary depending on the region and personal preferences. Some common spices used in chicken curry include cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and curry leaves. These spices give chicken curry its distinct flavor and aroma, which can range from mild to hot and spicy.

Chicken curry can be prepared with different types of chicken, such as bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, and breast or thigh meat.

The cooking method also varies, with some recipes calling for marinating the chicken in yogurt or spices before cooking, while others require frying or grilling the chicken before simmering it in the sauce.

Understanding the different components of chicken curry is essential in selecting the right wine pairing. The spices used in the dish, the creaminess or spiciness of the sauce, and the cooking method can all impact the flavor profile of the dish and the wine pairing.

In the following sections, we will explore the best wines for chicken curry based on these factors.

The Basics of Wine Pairing with Chicken Curry

Pairing wine with chicken curry can be challenging due to the complex flavor profile of the dish. However, several factors can guide the wine pairing process.

Here are some basic guidelines to consider:

• Creaminess of the Dish: If the chicken curry is creamy, it is best to pair it with a creamy (malolactic) Chardonnay. The buttery and rich flavors of the Chardonnay complement the creamy texture and richness of the dish.
• Spiciness of the Dish: If the chicken curry is spicy, it is best to choose an off-dry wine with a hint of sweetness to balance the heat. Riesling Spätlese, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer are excellent choices as they offer a balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Cooking Method: If the chicken curry is grilled or roasted, it is best to choose a red wine with fruity flavors to complement the charred flavors of the chicken. Pinot Noir, Gamay, Garnacha, GSM blends, and Valpolicella are all excellent options.
• Acidity and Tannins: Acidic wines can cut through the creaminess of the dish, while tannic wines can complement the spices and richness of the chicken curry. Consider the acidity and tannin levels of the wine when selecting a pairing.

Best Wines for Creamy Chicken Curry

Creamy chicken curry is a popular variation of the dish that features a rich and velvety sauce. The creaminess of the dish requires a wine with enough body to match its texture and flavor.

Here are some of the best wines to pair with creamy chicken curry:

1. Malolactic Chardonnay: Malolactic Chardonnay is an excellent choice for creamy chicken curry as it offers a buttery and creamy flavor that complements the dish’s richness. Look for wines from Burgundy, California, or Australia for the best pairing.
2. Viognier: Viognier is a full-bodied white wine with a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the creamy chicken curry. The wine’s aromas of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle complement the spices and flavors of the dish.
3. Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris is a light-bodied white wine that offers a refreshing acidity to cut through the creaminess of the dish. The wine’s fruity flavors of apple, pear, and citrus complement the dish’s flavors, making it an excellent pairing.
4. Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a medium-bodied white wine with a spicy and floral aroma that pairs well with the spices in the chicken curry. The wine’s sweetness also complements the dish’s creaminess, making it a popular pairing choice.
5. Roussanne: Roussanne is a full-bodied white wine with a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the chicken curry. The wine’s flavors of apricot, honey, and almond complement the dish’s flavors, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Best Wines for Spicy Chicken Curry

Spicy chicken curry is a flavorful dish that packs a punch. When selecting a wine for spicy chicken curry, it is essential to choose a wine with enough sweetness to balance the heat.

Here are some of the best wines to pair with spicy chicken curry:

1. Riesling Spätlese: Riesling Spätlese is a medium-sweet wine with a fruity and floral aroma that pairs well with the spices in the chicken curry. The wine’s acidity also complements the dish’s heat, making it an excellent pairing choice.
2. Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris is a light-bodied white wine that offers a refreshing acidity to balance the heat in the dish. The wine’s fruity flavors of apple, pear, and citrus complement the dish’s flavors, making it an excellent pairing choice.
3. Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a medium-bodied white wine with a spicy and floral aroma that pairs well with the spices in the chicken curry. The wine’s sweetness also complements the dish’s heat, making it a popular pairing choice.
4. Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that pairs well with spicy chicken curry. The wine’s acidity and sweetness balance the heat and spice of the dish, making it an excellent pairing choice.
5. Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne, is an excellent choice for spicy chicken curry. The bubbles and acidity of the wine cut through the heat and refresh the palate, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Best Wines for Red Chicken Curry

Red chicken curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features a blend of spices and a rich tomato-based sauce. When selecting a wine for red chicken curry, it is essential to choose a wine with enough fruitiness to complement the dish’s flavors.

Here are some of the best wines to pair with red chicken curry:

1. Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry that complement the flavors in the dish. The wine’s low tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice.
2. Gamay: Gamay is a light-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of red cherry and raspberry that pair well with the spices and tomatoes in the dish. The wine’s low tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice.
3. Garnacha: Garnacha is a medium-bodied red wine with spicy and fruity flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and licorice that complement the dish’s spices. The wine’s low tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice.
4. GSM Blends: GSM blends, which combine Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, offer a fruity and spicy flavor profile that pairs well with the spices in the dish. The wine’s medium tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice.
5. Valpolicella: Valpolicella is a medium-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of cherry, plum, and raspberry that complement the dish’s flavors. The wine’s low tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice.

Other Wine Pairing Options

While malolactic Chardonnay, off-dry whites, and fruity reds are the most popular wine pairing options for chicken curry, there are other wines that can pair well with the dish.

Here are some other wine-pairing options to consider:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine with refreshing acidity that pairs well with the spices in the dish. The wine’s herbaceous and citrus flavors also complement the dish’s flavors.
2. Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah/Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine with spicy and fruity flavors that complement the dish’s spices. The wine’s tannins also make it an excellent pairing choice for grilled or roasted chicken curry.
3. Rosé: Rosé is a light-bodied wine with refreshing acidity that pairs well with the heat and spices in the dish. The wine’s fruity and floral notes also complement the dish’s flavors.
4. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine with fruity and spicy flavors that complement the dish’s spices. The wine’s high alcohol content also makes it an excellent pairing choice for spicy chicken curry.

Conclusion

Pairing wine with chicken curry can be a challenging task, but by considering the spices, creaminess, and spiciness of the dish, you can find the perfect wine to complement its flavors.

Malolactic Chardonnay, off-dry whites, and fruity reds are popular wine pairing options for chicken curry, but there are other wines that can also pair well with the dish.

When selecting a wine for chicken curry, consider the wine’s body, acidity, sweetness, and flavor profile to find the perfect pairing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines to find the pairing that suits your taste.

So, what wine pairs well with chicken curry?

When pairing wine with chicken curry, opt for a light-bodied white like Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer. For red wines, choose something fruity and light-bodied such as Pinot Noir or Gamay.

By following the guidelines and recommendations in this article, you can enhance your chicken curry dining experience and impress your guests with your wine-pairing skills. So, next time you prepare chicken curry, remember to grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the perfect pairing.