Wine & Spicy Dishes: Best Match?

Wine & Spicy Dishes: Best Match?

Many of us love spicy fare, whether it's Indian, Thai or Tex-Mex. The heat and strong flavors in these dishes can challenge wine like few other dishes can. After extensive experimentation, I believe that off-dry German rieslings are among the best partners for this cuisine.

Why?

Several reasons: The touch of sweetness in the wine tempers the heat in the food. Low alcohol means that the heat of the dish isn't accentuated. And often the lemon, lime and floral flavors in the wine are a lovely complement to the the flavors of the food.

Some of my favorite German rieslings include:

2005 Gunderloch Jean-Baptiste Riesling Kabinett Qmp Rheinhessen, Estate BtlD., Rheinhessen: Lovely, vibrant mouth-watering white. Zesty notes of ripe citrus fruit and rose petals. Pair with: seafood, salads, cold chicken. MD (medium dry) 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100.

2004 750 Langwerth Von Simmern Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau: A terrific, well-balanced riesling with refreshing aromas of lime and citrus. Pair with: chicken, pork, ham. 11% MD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100.

2005 ST. Urbans-Hof Riesling Kabinett Qmp, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Estate BtlD., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: A lovely wine that is a touch sweet. It's zippy and refreshing with aromas of green apples. Great as an aperitif. MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100.

2005 Studert-Prüm Riesling Kabinett Qmp, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Estate BtlD., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: One of the most food-friendly wines on the planet. Lovely floral notes and aromas of ripe pears and citrus fruit. Pair with: light to medium curries, chicken, vegetarian. MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100.

Got any favorites to add here, whether they're German rieslings or other wines that go well with spicy fare?