Indian food is a festival of flavor: think creamy butter chicken, fragrant briyani, and light, fluffy idli or crunchy dosa. These dishes aren’t just delicious; they’re made for sharing over a good bottle of wine. Wine gifting and drinking have exploded in popularity across India in recent years, becoming a favourite way to celebrate with family and friends. Pairing a smooth red or fruity white with these spice-packed classics brings out bold new flavors, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Dosa & Idli Paired With: Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc
This is a classic South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter that are light and tangy. Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with these dishes due to its fruity notes of lime, passionfruit, guava, and honey-dew melon, which complement the delicate flavours and cut through the subtle sourness of the fermented batter.
Butter Chicken Paired With: Schlumberger Gewürztraminer Kitterlé Grand Cru
Butter chicken features a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that is both spicy and sweet. Its aromatic profile and gentle sweetness match the sauce’s richness and the subtle warmth of the spices.
Tandoori Prawns Paired With: Louis Roederer Brut Rose
The gentle smokiness and spice of the prawns play beautifully against the champagne’s lively freshness. Each bite of caramelized seafood draws out the wine’s ripe wild strawberry and citrus zest notes, while the touch of chilli finds balance in its creamy bubbles and mineral edge. The finish is clean and subtly salty, leaving you instantly ready for another bite.
Briyani Paired With: Robert Sirugue Bourgogne Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir features ripe cherry aromas with subtle coffee nuances and a round, supple palate. It offers a juicy, balanced structure with bright acidity that beautifully complements this flavorful and aromatic mixed rice dish, made with marinated meat such as chicken, lamb, or seafood.
Tandoori Lamb Chops Paired With: Amelia Park Reserve Shiraz
Full-bodied with dark fruit and peppery spice notes, it enhances the savory, smoky flavors of tandoori lamb chops. A flawless partner.
Another versatile partner for Indian cuisine!
Lovely pink hue with light copper tints. Steady flow of fine bubbles. An immediate bouquet of forest fruit (wild strawberries and raspberries) and citrus (blood orange) with some zesty and powdery petal-like notes (rose-flavoured macaroons). Serving it slightly chilled (around 13–18°C) allows its multifaceted flavors to shine while complementing the vibrant and aromatic layers typical of Indian dishes.
