Eating curry this weekend? Picking up a take-a-way Chinese, or getting a bit more adventurous in the kitchen with some flavoursome spices? Well, don’t think it’s all over for a nice bottle of wine and believe me beer and curry may seem the best option to cool your mouth down but I bet you feel totally bloated as you swig down copious amounts to chill the tongue. There is a better way you know!! Choose a wine that will complement your spicy dish, there are dozens to choose from and you don’t have to be an expert when choosing.
If its going to be curry then you are better off with a grape variety that has good acidity for example a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc from the cool Casablanca Valley in Chile at are both good choices.
When your eating a meat or vegetarian dish with a bit of heat to it, say Chilli con carne or spicy vegetable lasagna then choose a red grape variety like Shiraz or Syrah that also has that spicy characteristic. A Rhone wine or any Aussie Shiraz would be perfect, although my favourite at the moment is a South African Shiraz/Pinotage by Lyngrove, big and juicy with hints of pepper spice; a Californian Zinfandel would also be a good combination and is a great partner to Tex-Mex dishes.
If you are partial to Thai, Indian and Chinese food then Gewurztraminer or Riesling is a must as the flavours combine perfectly and both wine and food can be enhanced. Your Riesling can be dry, medium or sweet depending on your palate and the dish being served. Sauvignon, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Muscat and Chenin Blanc also work well. If you are a Chardonnay lover then choose the un-oaked styles so not to overpower the flavours in your food, try the Old Coach Road Un-Oaked Chardonnay from New Zealand you wont be disappointed and there is a fabulous Gewurztraminer Explorer from Chile that wont break the bank. If you want to drink red then go for something with low tannin like the Alpha Zeta Valpolicella, Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir.
Spice up your life this weekend!!
Corks Out in Stockton Heath will be happy to help you with any meal/wine combination spicy or not.
Last updated: April 12, 2008