What wine to pair with curry - my top 5 picks

If you’re wondering which wine to pair with curry, you’re not alone. There are probably more opinions about the matter than there are types of curry from “wine is never a good idea* to *any wine you like*.

Pairing wine with curry can feel like navigating a minefield of bold flavors and heat, but the right choice can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re a fan of rich, creamy kormas or spicy vindaloos, finding the perfect wine match is all about balance and a bit of adventure. In this guide, I’ll explain:

• Three things to bear in mind when pairing wine with curry - top tips to inform your wine choices
• My top 5 wines that don’t just hold their own—they shine alongside your favorite curries.
• Top wine pairings for popular Indian and Thai curries

3 things to bear in mind when you’re pairing wine and curry

• How hot the curry is. Clearly it’s easier to match wine with a mild curry than a searingly hot one.
• How many other dishes you’re serving and how hot they are. It’s easier, in other words, to think about a wine that will go with the whole meal rather than one element of it.
• and what type of curry you’re talking about - Thai and Malay curries, for example are different from Indian curries with their warmer spices. And home-made curries tend to be hotter and pokier than shop-bought ones or ones made from a bought curry sauce.

Pairing wine with curry is all about offsetting the heat

What you need with curry - and this is why cold lager and lassi work so well - is a refreshing contrast to the heat of the food. A touch of sweetness helps, particularly with hotter curries and green curries as does a fresh, palate-cleansing acidity.

What doesn’t work so well  - in my opinion at least - is tannin and high alcohol which can emphasise and unbalance the spice in a curry. So although ripe fruity reds can work - especially with meaty curries like rogan josh - you don’t really want a 15% oaky monster.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that many Indian restaurants don’t have brilliant wine lists so it’s a question of what will pair best rather than what’s ideal. Here are 5 good all-rounders that I think do the job.

5 wines that almost always work with a curry

A fruity rosé

Fruity rosés have consistently come out best in the tastings I’ve done for the What Food, What Wine? competition in the past. Think Spain, Portugal or South America rather than Provence. See for example this Andhra Curry-leaf chicken that would pair well with a dry-ish Portuguese or Chilean rosé.

Off-dry riesling

Off-dry riesling will certainly work with chicken, fish and vegetable curries, if not with very meaty ones or ones with a powerful tomato sauce. German, Austrian, Australian and New Zealand rieslings would all do the trick.

Pinot gris

This speciality of Alsace - also found in New Zealand and Oregon - has a particular affinity with Thai green curries but pairs well with mild to medium-hot Indian curries too

Other aromatic whites

Such as fragrant Hungarian whites, dry Muscat, Sylvaner/Silvaner and Torrontes from Argentina

Chardonnay

Yes, chardonnay! Particularly fruity styles or blends with grapes such as semillon, chenin and colombard. Good with mild, creamy or buttery curries, especially with chicken. (Viognier is good with this sort of curry too.)

Does red wine go with curry?

Not always but it does. I’ll probably go for a juicy, fruity but not too oaky Shiraz or a Chilean Carmenère (similar to a Merlot which would also work well). Pinotage is surprisingly good match with hotter curries and rioja crianza or reserva for rogan josh.

Incidentally you may find Gewurztraminer an odd omission from my top 5 as it’s often paired with curry but it can easily overpower milder curries. Great with a spicy duck curry though

Wine pairings for 5 popular Indian curries

Image credit: Alberta Studios

Dhansak

A sweet and sour curry that incorporates lentils, often served with a pineapple ring to add a hint of sweetness. Given its sweet and sour profile, a Riesling, particularly one with a bit of residual sugar, can balance the spice and complement the dish’s complexity.

Tikka Masala

A popular item at most Indian restaurants, tikka masala combines grilled meat (usually chicken) with a creamy, spiced sauce. The sauce of Tikka Masala can pair well with a medium-bodied Chardonnay, which can complement the richness without overwhelming the flavours.

Korma

A rich curry known for its creaminess, often using spices like cardamom and cinnamon for flavour rather than heat. The mild, creamy nature of Korma calls for a wine that is aromatic but not too robust. A Viognier, with its floral aromas and stone fruit flavours, is an excellent match.

Jalfrezi

A type of curry that features green chilies stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and coriander, known for its spicy but not overwhelming heat. This spicier curry pairs well with a fruit-forward Zinfandel. The wine’s bold flavours can stand up to the heat and complexity of the Jalfrezi.

Vindaloo

Vindaloo is renowned for its heat and uses few spices in large quantities, making it a favourite for those who love spicy food. Given its high heat level, a slightly chilled, off-dry Gewürztraminer can provide a refreshing contrast, with its aromatic sweetness balancing the intense spice.

Wine pairings for 5 popular Thai curries

Image credit: Larissa Farber

Massaman Curry

Known for its mildness and rich flavour, massaman curry is a fusion of Thai and Indian cuisine, featuring a combination of spices like cinnamon and cardamom alongside traditional Thai ingredients such as lemongrass and galangal. It’s commonly prepared with beef or chicken and served with potatoes and peanuts. Given its rich, slightly sweet, and savory profile with a mild spice level, a Pinot Noir could complement this curry well. The wine’s fruity notes and subtle earthiness can harmonize with the curry’s complexity.

Green Curry

This curry stands out for its spiciness and vibrant color, derived from green chilies. Its flavour is enhanced with Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk, making it aromatic and intensely flavoured. It often includes eggplant and chicken among its ingredients. With its high spice level and aromatic profile, a Riesling, especially a slightly off-dry one, would be an excellent match. The wine’s sweetness can counterbalance the heat, while its acidity can cut through the curry’s richness.

Red Curry

Characterized by its fiery taste and deep red color, red curry is made with a paste of red chilies, garlic, and other spices, blended with coconut milk. It’s a versatile curry that’s typically spicier than its green counterpart and is often served with beef. For this spicy curry, a Gewürztraminer could be a good pairing. The wine’s spicy notes and slight sweetness can complement the curry’s heat and flavours without overpowering them.

Panang Curry

A milder curry with a nutty flavour, Panang curry includes ingredients like cumin, coriander, and peanuts, along with the usual base of coconut milk. It has a thicker consistency compared to other Thai curries and offers a subtly sweet and savory taste. This milder curry with a nutty flavour profile could go well with a medium-bodied Chardonnay. The wine’s creamy texture and subtle oakiness can enhance the curry’s richness without clashing with its flavours.

Yellow Curry

Yellow curry has rich and creamy texture with a signature yellow color that comes from turmeric and other spices. It can vary in spiciness and is often made with chicken or other meats, along with potatoes and onions. Due to its turmeric and spice-driven flavours, a Viognier could pair nicely with yellow curry. The wine’s floral aromas and stone fruit flavours can complement the curry’s depth and slight sweetness.

Wine pairings for five popular chicken curries

Chicken is one of the most popular types of curry but think about the sauce and level of heat when you’re choosing your wine

Chicken korma
A mild creamy curry that goes particularly well with viognier. Chardonnay is good too.

Chicken katsu curry
Try an aromatic white wine like an off-dry riesling or a feteasca regala from Romania, a great pairing I discovered recently  

Chicken tikka masala
A strong fruity Portuguese rosé works particularly well with this curry

Chicken Jalfrezi
Slightly hotter with a spicy tomato sauce. You could try a light red wine like a grenache with this one

Thai chicken curry
Goes well with Australian riesling, New Zealand sauvignon blanc, pinot gris or a fruity rosé. (That applies to a Thai prawn curry too as you can see from this post)

See also Six drinks you might not have thought of pairing with Indian food

Top image © I Wei Huang at shutterstock.com

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