India’s rich, spice-laden cuisine is recognised and loved all over the world. But when it comes to pairing these bold, flavourful dishes with wine, the conversation often stands still. It is a common misconception that Indian food doesn’t pair well with wines due to it rich spiceful flavours. However, that’s far from the truth. The diverse range of flavours allows Indian foods to pair with a variety of wines. In fact, many Indian wines have the correct flavour profile to complement our cuisine.
The key to successful pairing sauces and spices, instead of the protein or central ingredient of the dish. Indian meals often feature intense spice, layered gravies, and rich textures—all of which require wines that offer fruitiness, acidity, structure, or aromatics. A bold red might complement a robust biryani, while a floral white with slight sweetness can temper the heat of a tandoori dish. The best part? These wines are not only accessible in terms of flavour but also in price.
So whether you’re preparing a festive feast or just indulging in a comforting plate of chole bhature, there’s an Indian wine that can elevate every Indian meal. Here are three award-winning Indian wines from the IWS Award 2024 Ultimate Drinking Guide that pair beautifully with some of the country’s most beloved hearty dishes.
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Big Banyan Pickers Hand Viognier 2022 with Butter Chicken and Naan
Big Banyan’s Viognier is an aromatic, medium-bodied white that brings tropical fruit, white flowers, and a touch of spice to the glass. With hints of peach, apricot, and orange blossom, it’s lively yet balanced, with a soft texture that complements creamy and fragrant Indian dishes.
When paired with butter chicken and naan, this wine shines. The sweetness and aromatics of Viognier tame the tomato-based gravy, while its gentle acidity lifts the richness off the palate, making it a perfect match for one of India’s most indulgent comfort foods.
Producer: Big Banyan Vineyard
Price: ₹1,500
Fratelli Sette 2022 with Chole Bhature
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, Fratelli Sette is a powerful yet refined red that delivers depth, structure, and complexity. The wine opens with dark cherry, espresso, and oak spice on the nose, leading into a palate that’s rich, well-rounded, and full of savoury notes. Polished tannins and a long finish make this a red to savour with layered dishes.
Pair it with chole bhature—a bold North Indian classic. The wine’s acidity complements the flavourful chickpeas and fried bread while its fruit forward notes offer a respite from its spicy kick.
Producer: Fratelli Vineyards
Price: ₹2,000
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Grover Zampa La Réserve Red 2022 with Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani
Grover’s La Réserve Red has long been a favourite among those who appreciate Indian reds with character. This Cabernet-Shiraz blend is lush and intense, offering aromas of plum, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The wine feels silky and luxurious on the palate with soft tannins and a lingering finish of warm spice and dark fruit.
A great food pairing for this wine is a Hyderabadi mutton biryani. This fragrant and flavourful dish demands a wine with equal richness and structure. The wine’s peppery warmth and smooth texture complement the biryani’s layers of fragrant saffron, hearty meat, and mouthwatering masala, making each spoonful even more decadent.
Producer: Grover Zampa Vineyards
Price: ₹1,175
Tips To Pair Wines With Indian Food:
Pair bold, spicy dishes with wines that have notes of spices like black pepper, cumin or star anise, such as Shiraz or Zinfandel.
Choose off-dry or low-alcohol wines like Riesling or Rosé for foods with moderate to high levels of spice.
Focus on the dish’s sauce or spice base rather than whether it’s meat or veg.
For dishes with tomatoes or tamarind, pick zesty wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Pair Indian desserts with sweet wines like Moscato or late-harvest Chenin Blanc.
When it comes to food and wine pairing, there’s no need to look outside our borders. Indian wines have evolved dramatically in quality and diversity, and today’s best bottles are crafted with both global standards and local palates in mind. So the next time you desire a glass of wine with Indian food, do give Indian labels a chance to surprise you.
Looking for amazing wine recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
