The word Curry is often associated with Indian food, but it is important to note that the word Curry actually has two meanings. Curry can be a collective term used to describe sauce-focused dishes from various countries in Asia. These dishes, usually served with rice, feature a flavorful sauce, any type of protein, or vegetables. The other meaning refers to a mixture of spices, typically turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, or nutmeg. Curry powder can range from mild to spicy, depending on the blend.
Pairing wine with Curry can be tricky, but it is not impossible. We have made some suggestions below to help guide you on your wine pairing journey.
Best Red Wine to Pair with Curry
Reds that are light and fruity will make the best pairings with curry dishes. Especially those that lean toward spicy.
- Barbera: juicy, light, with notes of strawberry and sour cherry.
- Pinot Noir: always a popular choice: light, sweet red, high on aromatics.
- Beaujolais: also known as Gamay, light, low tannins.
- Lambrusco: a slight bubbliness with strong berry notes.
Best White Wine to Pair with Curry
Whites are great for balancing out the spicy dishes and the natural acidity of most whites cut through the rich, creamy curries.
- Riesling: lightly sweet, crisp, and refreshingly acidic.
- Rosé: bright acidity with strong berry flavor.
- Chardonnay: dry and buttery with moderate tannins and acidity.
- Pinot Gris: complex, with a well-balanced finish. Notes of apricot.
Pairing Wine With Various Curry Dishes
Pairing Wine With Kapitan Curry
This rich, creamy curry comes from Malaysia and does well with a rich textured white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier.
Pairing Wine With Burmese Chicken Curry
Try an Albariño or Chenin Blanc with this classic curry. The acid of the wine will balance the sweetness of the coconut milk base in this sauce.
Pairing Wine With Rendang Curry
Rendang is a spicy, slow-cooked beef curry from Indonesia. We usually do not recommend reds with spice, but in this case, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz complements this dish nicely.
Pairing Wine With Katsu Curry
This curry comes from Japan and is thick and creamy with mild spiciness and sweet notes. A low-alcohol, high acidity white like an off-dry Riesling or Champagne will elevate this dish.
Pairing Wine With Durban Curry
The deep-red color of this sauce is a sure indicator of its spice level. Albariño, Gewürztraminer, and Barbera will all elevate this delicious South African curry.
Pairing Wine With Thai Green Curry
Green chilis, lemongrass, coriander and lime peel make up this spicy sauce. An Alsatian Pinot Gris or Moscato will pair nicely and cool the palate.
Pairing Wine With Thai Red Curry
Also known as Gaeng Daeng, the red chilis make this a very spicy dish. Sauvignon Blanc or an Alsatian Pinot Gris make excellent matches for this hot curry.
Pairing Wine With Thai Yellow Curry
Yellow chilis are less spicy than their red and green counterparts, but there are still some spicy notes in this dish. Pinot Gris or an unoaked Viognier will be delicious with yellow curry.
Pairing Wine With Butter Chicken
Pairing Wine With Chicken Tikka Masala
Pairing Wine With Chicken Biryani
Pairing Wine With Tandoori Chicken
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