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Curry Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Curries

From fragrant Indian curries to spicy Thai green curry, there are so many delicious and diverse recipes available in the world of cuisine.

Curry lovers will know that curries can be rich and complex in flavor, with each recipe offering a unique combination of spices and ingredients.

But what about wine?

It’s true – we often think of beer as an immediate accompaniment for a hearty plate of curry but did you know that wine pairs perfectly too?

But if you’re wondering which type of wines go best with your favorite dishes, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect pairing.

So, what wine goes with curry?

The best wines to pair with curry are Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio. These wines provide a balance of acidity and sweetness that can cut through the spice of curry while still highlighting its flavor profile. Alternatively, Shiraz and Pinot Noir are also good choices for those who prefer fuller-bodied reds.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how different types of wines complement different curries from around the world.

From sweet rieslings to full-bodied reds – we’ll discuss everything you need to know about curry wine pairing so you can enjoy your meal even more!

Chicken Curry

Why Consider Serving Wine With Curries?

Serving wine with curry can be an incredibly enjoyable experience and a great way to broaden your knowledge of food and beverage pairings.

Wines have the potential to highlight certain characteristics of dishes, bringing out unique flavors and aromas that may not have been detected otherwise.

When pairing wines with curries, consider how the sweetness of a wine will balance the spiciness of the dish.

Sweet wines tend to do well here as they can help neutralize any heat from chili peppers or other spices in a curry recipe.

By selecting a complementary white, red, or rosé wine for your meal you may find that it elevates your dinner experience beyond just having a glass alongside your plate; you’ll be enhancing all aspects of the flavor profile by making sure acidity levels are balanced out with each bite.

The Best Red Wines For Curry Recipes

Red Wine

Red wines can be a great choice for curry dishes due to the fact that they have bold flavors which stand up well to the spices in most curries. Some of the best red wines to pair with a curry are Syrah, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Syrah has dark berry flavors as well as pepper and spice notes which make it an ideal pairing for most curries. The big tannins in Syrah can also help cut through some of the heat from hotter curries.

Zinfandel is another great red wine for many types of curries because it is light-bodied but full of flavor with raspberry, cranberry, and blueberry notes that nicely complement many Indian dishes.

Barbera has fruity flavors such as black cherries, plums, and violets plus some pleasant herbal spiciness which makes it a delicious accompaniment to smoky and spicy recipes.

Cabernet Sauvignon is always a classic option when considering what type of wine will go best with your meal – its deep tannins give enough backbone to stand up against any curry while its chocolatey undertones make it an ideal match for sweet or creamy sauces.

The Best White Wines For Curry Meals

White wine

When it comes to white wines for curry meals, there are a few different varieties that work well.

If you’re serving a mild-flavored curry like chicken tikka masala or korma, try a light and fruity white such as Riesling or Chenin Blanc. These wines will add bright citrus flavors to your dish without overpowering the delicate spices of the curry.

A heartier white wine such as Chardonnay is ideal for spicier curries like vindaloo or jalfrezi. Chardonnays are known for their buttery texture and oaky flavor, which is perfect for cutting through the heat of these dishes.

For seafood curries, consider pairing them with Sauvignon Blanc—a crisp and refreshing wine with notes of tropical fruit and grassy herbs that will complement any seafood dish nicely.

The Best Rosé Wines For Curry Dishes

Rosé wine

When it comes to pairing wine with curry dishes, many people tend to overlook rosé wines.

But with the right balance of acidity and sweetness, a good rosé can be the perfect accompaniment for a flavorful Indian or Thai curry.

For spicy curries, choose a dry rosé such as those from Provence in France or Oregon in the US. These generally have higher acidity levels which will help to cut through the heat of spicier dishes. For milder curries, opt for sweeter styles like those produced in California or New Zealand.

If you’re looking for something that’s light and fruity without being overly sweet, then look no further than European rosés made from Pinot Noir grapes – these are particularly well-suited to creamy coconut-based curries – and Merlot-based variations from Bordeaux are great for robust vegetable curries served with flatbreads.

Other Wines To Pair With Curry

Once you’ve explored the realm of red, white, and rosé wines for curries, it can be fun to try other types as well.

Consider trying a sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco with your curry dish – the bubbles will provide an added level of refreshment that’s especially nice with spicier dishes.

Sweet dessert wines such as Moscato or Riesling are also great – they add a touch of sweetness to offset the spiciness and help create balance in your meal. You can experiment by trying different types to find what works best for you!

3 Tips For Picking A Wine For Your Curry Dinner

Finding the best wine for your curry dinner can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know what to look for. Here are five tips that will help you find the perfect bottle:

  1. Consider the Spiciness Level – If your curry dish is spicy, opt for a sweeter wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer which can cut through some of that spice. For milder curries, choose wines with more acidity such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
  2. Look at The Ingredients – Think about the main ingredients in your dish when deciding on a wine pairing. For example, if it’s an eggplant-based curry, try opting for lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo; while chicken curries pair well with medium-bodied reds like Zinfandel or Syrah.
  3. Pay Attention To The Sauce – Not all curries are created equal! Pay attention to the sauce because certain sauces pair better with certain wines than others—for instance, sweet sauces tend to go well with fruity white wines like Moscato or Riesling; while thicker and creamier sauces benefit from full-bodied whites like Chardonnay and Viognier; and tomato-based dishes work great with fuller bodied reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Serving temperature and glassware play an important role when selecting a wine to pair with curry.

White wines should generally be served chilled (around 45°F), while red wines are best enjoyed at room temperature (around 65°F). Rosé wines can be served slightly chilled, or even at room temperature for a rich flavor. Be sure to store the bottle of your chosen wine in advance so it’s ready in time!

When it comes to glassware, there are lots of options depending on what style of wine you’re serving.

Generally speaking, white and rosé wines should be served in larger glasses that allow the aromas and flavors to stand out. Red wine is typically enjoyed from a smaller glass which helps concentrate its aromas on the nose.

A great way to make your guests feel special is by investing in quality crystal glasses; they will definitely appreciate this detail!

Conclusion

Picking the right wine for your curry dish doesn’t have to be a challenge anymore.

With these tips on choosing the best wines for curries, you can impress your guests and make sure that every sip complements their meal.

So, what wine pairs well with curry?

The best wines to pair with curry are Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. These varieties can balance out the spiciness of the dish while still complementing its flavors. For a heartier meal, Shiraz or Zinfandel will provide a bolder flavor profile.

The key is to find a drink with enough acidity to stand up to spicy flavors of the curry, but not too much that it will overpower them or make them taste bitter. Picking from one of our wine suggestions above should give you a great start.

Finally, remember that while everyone has different tastes when it comes to food and drinks, having fun and experimenting with different pairings are what makes cooking enjoyable!

So don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by all the possibilities—just pick something you think sounds good and enjoy!

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.