Wine for Any Occasion: Top 10 Greatest Pairing Tips for Both Red and White Wine with Spicy Foods

If you are an avid wine lover, you know very well that there is nothing better than a perfectly paired wine and meal combination. But, what happens when you want to indulge in a spicy delicacy? What wine pairs well with a spicy meal?

Choosing the right wine to pair with spicy food can be a challenge, as the heat from the food can overtake the flavour of the wine. Here are some of the top 10 greatest pairing tips for both red and white wine with spicy foods:

1. Pay Attention to the Heat Intensity

When pairing wine with spicy food, it is important to consider the heat intensity. Typically, white wines pair well with hotter dishes as the high acidity can help balance the heat. Red wines, on the other hand, work well with milder dishes.

2. Consider the Spices Used in the Dish

The type of spices used in the dish can also affect the wine pairing. For example, wines with bright acidity like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with coriander while whites with a buttery texture such as Chardonnay pair well with cilantro.

3. Think About Cooling Down the Heat with a Sweet Wine

Off-dry and sweet wines can help cool down the heat of spicy dishes. For instance, a sweet Riesling or Gewurztraminer can pair well with spicy Thai or Indian dishes, offering relief from the spicy heat.

4. Pair Red Wines with Spicy Tomato-based Sauces

Tomato-based dishes like spicy pasta, pizza, or stew complement red wines nicely. Italian reds like Barbera and Chianti Classico work well with a tomato-based meal. The acidity in the tomato sauce and the tannins in the wine balance each other perfectly.

5. Pair White Wines with Creamy Sauces

For creamy sauces, go for full-bodied white wines such as oaked chardonnays or Viognier. The creaminess of the sauce pairs well with the richness and bold flavour of the wine.

6. Pay Attention to the Wine's Tannin Texture

Tannins in wine play a crucial role in its pairing with spicy food. Spicy dishes pair well with low-tannin wines like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and Grenache as they offer a smooth mouthfeel with minimal tannin sensation. These wines allow the spices in the food to blend smoothly with the wine.

7. Consider the Weight of the Wine

The weight of the wine also affects pairing with spicy foods. Full-bodied wines tend to be more robust and pair well with hearty meals such as spicy curries, stews, and barbeque dishes.

8. Try Sparkling Wine with Spicy Appetizers

Spicy appetizers call for lighter and refreshing wines such as sparkling wines, prosecco, or Champagne. These wines offer a refreshing taste and cooling effect to help balance the heat.

9. Think Regionally

The cuisine of the region can also give you a clue about what wine pairs best with spicy food. For example, pair spicy Mexican dishes with Mexican wines like Valle de Guadalupe or Baja red blends.

10. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Pairing wine with spicy dishes can be a challenge, but don't be afraid to take risks and try new pairings. You might be surprised at some of the combinations that work.

In summary, pairing spicy dishes with wine can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can find the perfect wine to not only complement the flavour of the meal but also balance the heat of the spices. Happy pairing!