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Do chilli and wine go well together?

4144 Views Posted on: 2024-05-29
 

Pairing Wine with Spicy Dishes: Tips and Tricks

Of course, you also enjoy pairing your dishes with a good glass of wine. This can be quite a challenge when it comes to matching these two ingredients! Here are some tips to get it right.

Avoid Light Wines!

With spices like Espelette or Cayenne pepper, harissa, or paprika, you'll need a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors. Light wines, such as whites and rosés, which lack tannins, won't fare well in such a fiery pairing. Instead, opt for powerful, aromatic red wines. Ensure that the tannins are not too harsh and the acidity is well-balanced. Therefore, it is best to choose well-structured, robust wines.

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Spicy Dishes & Southern Wines: The Winning Combo

Now that we’ve established that whites and rosés are not ideal for pairing with spicy dishes, it's time to explore red wines. The selection is broad, as both Bordeaux, known for its tannic and oaky wines, and the Languedoc-Roussillon or Rhône regions offer powerful options. Warm and spicy, wines from these southern regions are robust enough to stand up to spicy flavors, while their fruity character enhances the exotic taste of the spice.

However, some wines from more northern regions like the Loire or Alsace can also compete with spicy dishes, provided their structure is robust enough to counteract the heat of the spice.

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FAQ - Wine and spicy food


What wine goes with spicy food?

Reach for a powerful, aromatic red that can hold its own against the heat. A well-structured Southern wine with supple tannins and moderate acidity is the safe choice.

Can you serve white or rosé wine with a spicy dish?

It rarely works well. Lacking tannins, whites and rosés are quickly overwhelmed by the heat and lose their character alongside a fiery plate.

Which wine regions pair best with chilli?

Southern vineyards such as Languedoc-Roussillon and the Rhône, plus some tannic Bordeaux. Their warm, fruity profile sits comfortably with bold, spicy flavours.

Can a Loire or Alsace wine match a spicy dish?

Yes, as long as it has structure. Despite their northern setting, certain cuvées from these regions carry enough body to stand up to the heat.

Which tannins should you avoid with spicy dishes?

Steer clear of harsh tannins and sharp acidity, which sharpen the burning sensation. A red with a rounder texture soothes the palate rather than fuelling the fire.