Iconic Indian dishes are strong flavoured, often with a spicy touch which can make wine pairing tricky.
However, playing around with textures and flavours can produce some fantastic pairings. Aromatic curries for instance, are great when paired with easy drinking whites like Grillo or even light-boded, fruity red such as Barbera or Primitivo.
It can be tricky to pair wine with Indian cuisine, so follow our recommendations below for guaranteed success!
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that offers a burst of flavors, from the creamy tomato-based sauce to the aromatic spices and herbs. A wine that is lighter in body, coupled with both acidity and a hint of sweetness, can be a refreshing counterpoint, helping to balance the heat and creaminess. Lower alcohol wines are especially suited for not intensifying the spicy elements, making each bite a joy.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a classic Indian vegetarian dish, rich in flavors and textures. It combines the creaminess of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the earthy tones of spinach, all harmonized with a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is typically creamy and mildly spiced, making it a delight for a nuanced wine pairing.
Given the creamy texture of Palak Paneer, a wine with a medium body will complement the dish without overwhelming its subtle flavors. The wine should have good acidity to cut through the richness of the paneer and cream, while a touch of sweetness will help balance the mild heat from the chili powder and the earthy bitterness of the spinach.
A lower alcohol level is preferable to keep the focus on the dish's delicate flavors. An off-dry Riesling or a light, fruit-forward Pinot Gris would be ideal choices, providing a refreshing contrast and highlighting the dish's aromatic spices.
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a luxurious and rich Indian vegetarian dish. The koftas, made from potatoes and paneer, are creamy and mild, while the curry is aromatic, often mildly spiced, and enriched with cream and cashew paste. The dish's richness and subtle flavors call for a wine pairing that complements its creamy texture without overpowering it.
An Italian wine that is medium-bodied is a good choice to complement the creaminess of the dish without overpowering it. A wine with a notable level of acidity will cut through the rich, creamy sauce of the Malai Kofta, balancing its richness. A hint of sweetness in the wine, or at least a perception of fruitiness, will align well with the mild spices and the inherent richness of cashews and cream in the dish. An ideal alcohol content would be moderate (around 10-13% ABV), ensuring the wine is harmonious with the dish.
A good Italian wine to consider might be an off-dry or slightly sweet version of Moscato d'Asti or even a well-balanced Soave, known for its crisp acidity and hints of fruitiness that could complement the dish nicely.
Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a rich and aromatic lamb dish with a deep heritage rooted in Persian and Kashmiri cuisines. This dish's hallmark is its robust blend of spices, including cumin, peppercorns, red chili, coriander, saffron, and fennel, all melded together in clarified butter (ghee). The use of hung curd and a spice mixture creates a thick, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender lamb. Rogan Josh is recognized for its warmth and depth of flavor, featuring a moderate level of heat and a complex spice profile.
Choosing an Italian wine that can stand up to its rich flavors and spices is key. A wine with a fuller body is appropriate to match the dish's weight. Moderate tannins are beneficial to balance the richness of the lamb, but they shouldn’t be too high as to clash with the spices. Good acidity is crucial to cut through the fat and complement the dish's warmth.
A touch of sweetness can help balance the spices, but the wine should generally lean towards the drier side to harmonize with the dish’s complex flavors. As for alcohol content, a moderate level (12-14% ABV) is suitable. An Italian Barbera or Chianti could be excellent choices, offering the necessary body, acidity, and tannin balance to pair wonderfully with Rogan Josh.
