There is a general perception that spicy foods are difficult to pair with wines, but this is not completely true. While it may require more effort to find the right wine for foods that have more than their share of heat and flavor, there are wines that will wash the palate pleasantly and provide just the right refreshing contrast.
Why Wines Can Work with Spice
Few people bother to look for the right wine when they serve spicy foods, and most hosts will bring out the beer for their guests. Actually, there are several reasons why wine can be paired very appropriately with foods that pack a lot of heat.
Wine, particularly those that are fruity and sweet, can neutralize the heat in spicy foods. This allows the other flavors in a dish to become more distinguishable. The acidity of wine can also allow the different flavors of a dish to mellow and harmonize. [Read more…]
