by salvador delclaux February 05, 2023 3 min read
Indian cuisine presents a challenge when it comes to pairing with wines due to its intense flavors and spices. Although these dishes have traditionally been accompanied with beers, more and more specialized restaurants are offering a wide selection of wines to pair with Indian food. The art of combining wines with this cuisine is not an easy task, however, its varied palette of flavors offers interesting opportunities to achieve perfect harmony. The presence of chutneys, sour and sweet sauces, spices and refreshing raitas are of great help in the search for the right wine. For a successful pairing, moderately sweet wines with acidity and a discreet amount of residual sugar are the best option. On the other hand, wines with high alcohol or tannin content are not the best choice.
White wines are an excellent choice to accompany Indian cuisine dishes. To choose the right wine, it is important to consider the age and the balance between fruit and acidity. Some suggestions include dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Verdejo. These wines are characterized by their freshness and acidity, which makes them ideal for counteracting the intense flavors of curries and other spices.
Another very popular white wine to accompany Indian food is Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. These wines have a smooth, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the intense flavors of Indian food. When choosing a white wine to pair with Indian dishes, it's important to consider your personal tastes, but Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are excellent options for those looking for a classic, balanced combination.
When it comes to pairing wine with food, the right choice can make all the difference in the dining experience. If you are looking for a wine that complements the intense and varied flavors of Indian cuisine, then red wines with spicy and intense notes are an excellent option. Varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are some that you should consider.
When choosing a red wine, it is important to look for those with intense and spicy notes, and avoid those with excessively fruity flavors or an oak aroma. The latter can overpower the intense flavors of Indian food and distort the dining experience. On the contrary, grape notes that include spices such as curry, cumin, coriander, fennel, nutmeg and cardamom are ideal for complementing the intense flavors of Indian food.
Additionally, intense, spicy red wines work well with spicy dishes and those made with ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas or potatoes. These intense wines can help balance the hot and spicy flavors of Indian food, creating a perfect pairing.
If you are looking for a drink to complete your creamy meals and heavy sauces, then rosé and sparkling wines are the ideal choice. In particular, cava is an excellent option for this type of dishes, thanks to its light acidity that enhances the flavor and gives it a unique touch.
In addition, these wines are also ideal to accompany spicy foods, since their refreshing carbonation and acidity help reduce the sensation of heat on the palate. This combination results in a unique and enriching culinary experience.
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