The right wine for spicy dishes

Spicy or highly seasoned dishes call for wine pairings capable of complementing their intensity without enhancing the burning sensation. Italian cuisine also offers famous examples of boldly flavored recipes, such as penne all’arrabbiata, ’nduja calabrese, or certain spicy cured meats from Southern Italy. These are joined by numerous international traditions where chili and spices take center stage, such as Indian, Thai, Mexican, Sichuan Chinese cuisine, and many customs of Southeast Asia.

To accompany these dishes, aromatic, fresh wines with very soft tannins are preferable, often with a slight residual sweetness. The aromatic qualities of grape varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Moscato help complement the spices, while acidity and freshness refresh the palate, softening the heat. At the same time, wines with low tannins or a gentle sweetness avoid amplifying the chili’s burn, creating a more harmonious balance between the bold character of the dish and the softness of the wine.

Südtirol - Alto Adige DOC 1840 Riesling 2024 H. Lun

Collio DOC Clas Pinot Grigio Ramato 2022 Livon

Tolnai Gewürztraminer 2025 Tűzkő

Vino Bianco Dealcolato Franc Lizêr

Nahe QbA Kreuznacher Riesling Steinberg 2018 S. J. Montigny

Rheingau QbA VDP Riesling Kabinett 2024 Robert Weil

Alsace Réserve AOC Gewürztraminer 2023 Gustave Lorentz

Moscato d'Asti DOCG Turna Lunga 2025 Bel Colle

Alsace AOP Pinot Gris 2024 Arthur Metz

Collio DOC Pinot Grigio Folini Vintage 2025 Villa Folini

Trentino Pinot Grigio DOC Quaranta Jugheri Vigna L'Omeri 2020 Roveré della Luna

Venezia Giulia IGT Riesling Afix 2023 Jermann

Südtirol - Alto Adige DOC Sandbichler Gewürztraminer 2023 H. Lun

Collio DOC Pinot Grigio 2024 Livon

Trentino DOC Gewürztraminer 2024 Cantina La-Vis

Western Cape WO Chenin Blanc Porcupine Ridge 2024 Boekenhoutskloof

Toscana Pinot Grigio IGT San Angelo 2024 Banfi

Vouvray AOP Sec 2024 Vieux Vauvert

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