How to Pair Wine and Spices for Successful Matches

Pairing wine and spices can turn a meal into a truly memorable gastronomic experience. Spices bring vibrant, complex flavors, while wine, with its aromas and structure, can lift those flavors or bring them into balance.

Why pair wine and spices?

Because of their intensity and diversity, spices can change the way you perceive a wine’s aromas.

1. Enrich the tasting experience

A good wine-and-spice pairing amplifies flavors, creating harmony on the palate.

2. Balance the flavors

Wine can soften the power of spices or balance their heat.

3. Explore original combinations

Pairing spices with wine lets you explore unexpected, creative matches.

The basic principles for pairing wine and spices

1. Understand intensity

Pair a powerful wine with intense spices and a lighter wine with gentler spices.

2. Balance the flavors

A sweet wine balances spicy dishes, while a high-acid wine cuts through the richness of fatty, spicy dishes.

3. Consider the dominant spices

Identify the dish’s dominant spice and choose a wine that works with its aromas.

The best wines to pair with specific spices

1. Cinnamon and nutmeg

These sweet, warming spices pair beautifully with red wines that show spicy, fruity notes.

• Wine examples: Grenache, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel.
• Pairings: Lamb tagine, apple or pear desserts.

2. Black pepper and chili

Black pepper and chili call for wines with refreshing acidity to soften their intensity.

• Wine examples: Syrah, Malbec, Barbera.
• Pairings: Pepper steak, chili con carne.

3. Turmeric and cumin

These earthy spices pair well with rich, complex red or white wines.

• Wine examples: Oaked Chardonnay, Merlot, Viognier.
• Pairings: Vegetable curry, Indian chicken dishes.

4. Ginger and coriander

Ginger and coriander bring freshness and work well with bright, aromatic wines.

• Wine examples: Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling.
• Pairings: Asian dishes, spicy sushi.

5. Paprika and smoke

Paprika, especially in its smoked form, finds a perfect balance with spicy, full-bodied red wines.

• Wine examples: Rioja, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Pairings: Goulash, barbecue.

Spicy red wine: a great match for bold dishes

1. Characteristics of spicy red wines

• Aromatic notes: Sweet spices, pepper, licorice.
• Structure: Firm tannins, ideal for rich dishes.

2. Examples of spicy red wines

• Syrah/Shiraz: Perfect with grilled meats or spicy dishes.
• Grenache: Ideal for Mediterranean dishes with herbs and spices.
• Zinfandel: Pairs beautifully with sweet-and-savory, spicy dishes.

Food pairings with spicy wines

1. Asian cuisine

Asian dishes often combine spices and sweet flavors.

• Example: Peking duck with Pinot Noir.
• Tip: Choose red wines with soft tannins.

2. Indian cuisine

Spicy curries pair well with aromatic white wines or fruity reds.

• Example: Lamb curry with Grenache.
• Tip: Go for wines with good acidity.

3. Mediterranean cuisine

Mediterranean herbs and spices, such as thyme and rosemary, pair well with full-bodied reds.

• Example: Ratatouille with Côtes-du-Rhône.
• Tip: Choose red wines with spicy, fruity notes.

Mistakes to avoid when pairing wine and spices

• Ignoring spice intensity: A wine that’s too light can be overwhelmed by powerful spices.
• Choosing tannic wines with very spicy dishes: Tannins amplify the heat of spices, making the dish feel harsher.
• Overlooking balance: Avoid pairing very sweet dishes with dry wines.

Current trends: wine and spices

• A return to local spices: Chefs are rediscovering local spices, opening up new pairing possibilities.
• Exploring natural wines: Natural wines, often lighter, pair with spicy dishes without overpowering the flavors.
• Culinary experiences: Many restaurants now offer menus dedicated to food pairings built around spices.

Conclusion

Pairing wine and spices calls for close attention to aromas and flavor balance. Spicy red wine remains a great ally for bringing out the best in rich, complex dishes. By following the basic principles and exploring different combinations, you can turn your meals into truly unique tasting experiences.

If you enjoyed this article, don't hesitate to read the next one, "The best organic wines to add to your collection", which might interest you too!