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Indian Food Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Indian Food

Indian food is one of the most flavorful and delicious cuisines in the world, with a wide variety of dishes that are rich in spices and herbs.

But let’s face it: no matter how tasty your meal is, it can be made even better when paired with the right wine!

But if you’re not familiar with Indian food and wines, the prospect of pairing them might seem overwhelming.

  • What do you choose?
  • Do certain wines pair well together?
  • How do you know what to avoid?

That’s where we come in.

In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of Indian food-wine pairing – from basics to specific dishes – so that you can make informed decisions when selecting a drink for your next dinner party or restaurant experience.

So, what wine goes with Indian food?

The best wines to pair with Indian food are dry white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. For spicier dishes, a medium-bodied red wine like Shiraz or Pinot Noir works well. Rosé is also an option for lighter curries.

indian food

Why Consider Serving Wine With Indian Food?

Wine and Indian food can be a match made in heaven!

A good wine can really help to balance out the spices and heat of many Indian dishes.

There are so many different types of wines that can pair wonderfully with traditional Indian cuisine, whether you’re serving a mild curry or something spicier.

When it comes to wine pairing for Indian food, consider flavors that will balance out the richness of spicy dishes.

For example, sweet and acidic wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer work well with tangy curries, while bolder reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pair nicely with heartier beef-based curries.

The beauty of pairing wines with Indian food is that there are endless possibilities – from light whites to full reds – and each offers its own unique flavor experience that complements your dish.

Plus, it’s a great way to add an extra touch of elegance to any dinner gathering!

The Best Red Wines For Indian Food

Red Wine

Red wine is a great pairing option for Indian food because it can stand up to the robust spices and flavors in many dishes. You want to look for wines that are not overly tannic or oaky, as these kinds of wines may overwhelm the subtle flavors in Indian meals.

When it comes to reds, lighter-bodied varietals like Pinot Noir, Grenache, Gamay, and Beaujolais are great options. These light reds have a bit more fruit flavor than heavier Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot but still, have enough structure to hold up to most recipes.

Syrah also makes an excellent accompaniment – its peppery notes play very nicely with spiced dishes like vindaloo or rogan josh.

The Best White Wines For Indian Food

White wine

White wine is a great choice for many Indian dishes, as it can help to balance out the spiciness of some of the meals. If you are looking for the best white wines to pair with your Indian meal, here are some suggestions:

Indian food has lots of flavors, so a good white wine should be able to stand up to those bold flavors. Chardonnay is one such variety that will do just that. Its oaky flavor works well with creamy dishes like korma or saag paneer, while its medium body goes altogether nicely with milder raitas and curries.

Sauvignon Blanc also makes for an excellent pairing due to its crisp acidity which helps cut through any spice in your dish. For something a bit richer try an off-dry Riesling – its sweet fruitiness will make it a favorite at any dinner table!

The Best Rosé Wines For Indian Food

Rosé wine

Rosé wines can be a great companion for Indian cuisine. The sweetness of the wine complements the richness and spice of the food, while its light body and acidity keep it from being overwhelming.

When selecting rosé wines to pair with Indian food, look for those with moderate amounts of tannins and acidity that don’t overpower the dish. Pinot Noir rosés are generally considered some of the best options due to their moderate flavor profile and lighter body.

Look also for brighter dry rosés such as Grenache or Cabernet Franc to bring out the flavors in bolder dishes like curry or tandoori chicken. If you’re serving more delicate dishes, opt for something a bit softer like Zweigelt, Lemberger, or Sangiovese blends.

Other Wines To Pair With Indian Dishes

If you’re looking for something a little different to pair with your Indian food, there are some other great options to consider. Sparkling wines can be a great addition to the menu, as their lightness helps cut through rich and creamy sauces.

Champagne is an ideal option for pairing with lighter dishes like tandoori chicken or vegetable pakoras. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving a sweet Riesling or Gewurztraminer that will bring out the flavors of spicy curries and samosas.

A medium-bodied red such as Zinfandel or Pinot Noir goes well with korma dishes and naan breads. Finish off your meal with a dessert wine like Port or Moscato that pairs nicely with fried sweets like Gulab Jamun.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Temperature and glassware are two important aspects of wine pairing.

When it comes to serving temperature, light-bodied white wines should be chilled for about 10 minutes or less before serving, while full-bodied whites (such as Chardonnay) can be served slightly warmer at around 12°C. Similarly, red wines should be either lightly chilled or left to warm up naturally in the bottle.

When choosing glassware for your Indian food wine pairings, you may want to consider using smaller glasses that allow the aromas of the wine to come through more clearly.

The shape of the glass is also important – some wines will benefit from a tulip-shaped glass, which helps capture their aromas better than other shapes.

Additionally, choose stemware with a narrow bowl that allows for accurate swirling and aeration of your choice of wine before serving.

5 Tips For Picking The Right Wine For Indian Meals

Picking the right wine to pair with an Indian meal can be tricky. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the best wines for your Indian dishes:

  1. Consider the food – If you’re serving a curry, consider pairing it with a dry white or sparkling wine. For tandoori dishes, try a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
  2. Balance flavors – If your dish has bold flavors and spices, try to find a wine that has enough acidity to balance out those flavors. Acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with spicy dishes because they can cut through some of the heat and bring out more subtleties in the food’s flavor profile.
  3. Think about sweetness – Some Indian dishes can be quite sweet due to added sugar or other ingredients like coconut milk, so look for sweeter wines like Gewürztraminer to match them up nicely without overpowering them!
  4. Consider tannins – Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins and they give red wines their robust flavor and structure; fuller-bodied reds tend to have higher levels of tannins than lighter ones do, so make sure you pick one that isn’t too heavy for your dish if it’s on the lighter side!
  5. Look for complexity – You want your chosen wine not only pair well but also add complexity and depth of flavor to whatever it is served with; varietal characteristics such as oakiness from barrel aging should also be taken into consideration when choosing which type of wine would go best with any given dish!

Conclusion

Wine pairing with Indian food can be an adventurous culinary journey that will add a whole new dimension to the flavors of traditional Indian dishes.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can find the perfect wine for any meal and create an unforgettable dining experience.

So, what wine pairs well with Indian food?

The best wines to pair with Indian food are either a Gewürztraminer or a Pinot Gris/Grigio. Both of these wines have the acidity and sweetness to balance out the spice and heat in Indian dishes. Shiraz can also work well for richer, spicier dishes, while Pinot Noir is ideal for pairing with tandoor-cooked meat.

When it comes to serving wines with Indian cuisine, experimentation is key! Don’t be afraid to try different wines and see how they pair together. You might even come up with your own unique combinations that are sure to wow your guests at dinner parties or special occasions.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that you enjoy yourself and savor every sip of your delicious selection. So let’s raise our glasses high and cheers to finding the best wines for Indian food!

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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.