A Guide to Pairing Red Wine with Spicy Foods: What You Need to Know
Are you a spicy food lover who also enjoys red wine? If yes, you might be wondering if red wine is the right choice to pair with spicy foods. The good news is, you can definitely pair red wine with spicy foods, but you need to pair them thoughtfully. In this guide, we will give you some useful tips on how to pair red wine with spicy foods.
Go for a wine with lower alcohol content
Spicy foods tend to make your mouth feel warm, and high alcohol content in wine can increase this warming sensation, making the spice feel even hotter. Therefore, if you are having a spicy dish, choose a red wine with lower alcohol content. Wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, which are generally lighter in body, have lower alcohol content, and pair well with spicy dishes.
Look for wines with high acidity
Wine with high acidity can complement the spiciness of the dish and make the flavors more prominent. Higher acidity wines like Barbera or Chianti pair well with high spice Mexican, Thai or Indian dishes.
Avoid tannic wines
Tannin is a naturally occurring substance in wine that can cause a drying effect in your mouth. Tannic wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux, can intensify the burning sensation caused by spicy dishes, and hence may not be the best pairing option.
Consider a fruitful red wine
Choose a wine with fruit-forward notes like cherry, raspberry, or plum, which can provide a balancing effect on the heat of the spicy food. Zinfandel or Shiraz wines with their fruity notes are an excellent pairing option for spicy dishes.
Pair with sweetness
Last but not least, pairing red wine with a hint of sweetness is also a good idea. Sweeter wines like Riesling, Lambrusco, or Brachetto d'acqui complement the spiciness of the dish and provide a refreshing effect to your palate.
In conclusion, pairing red wine with spicy food can be a bit tricky, but if you keep in mind the above tips, you can make a perfect match. Remember to choose a wine with low alcohol content, high acidity, fruit-forward notes, or a hint of sweetness, depending on your preference.
Happy pairing!
