The right wine for spicy dishes - Aromaticity, freshness and smoothness to accompany them

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.

Nahe QbA Kreuznacher Kauzenberg Riesling 2022 S. J. Montigny

Mosel QbA Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2022 Joh. Jos. Prüm

Friuli DOC Pinot Grigio 2024 Di Lenardo

Eden Valley GI Riesling Portrait 2023 Peter Lehmann

Mosel QbA Prädikatswein Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2014 Dr. Loosen

Trentino DOC Riesling 2023 Cembra Cantina di Montagna

Moscato di Sardegna DOC Passito Nùali 2022 Siddùra

Anjou AOC Blanc Effusion 2022 Patrick Baudouin

Südtirol - Alto Adige Valle Isarco DOC Aristos Riesling 2023 Cantina Valle Isarco

Friuli DOC Grave Pinot Grigio 2023 La di Motte

Trentino DOC Gewürztraminer Ritratti 2023 Cantina La-Vis

Moscato d'Asti DOCG Gancia

Vino Bianco Dealcolato Franc Lizêr

Friuli Pinot Grigio Ramato DOC Sun Goddess 2024 Fantinel

Alsace AOC Riesling 2022 Trimbach

Collio DOC Tenuta Sant'Helena Pinot Grigio Rocciaponca 2024 Fantinel

Breedekloof WO Gewürztraminer 2023 Bergsig

Moscato d'Asti DOCG Turna Lunga 2025 Bel Colle