Continental dishes have always held an exotic appeal for Indian diners. Their rich preparations of meat, seafood and cheese pair splendidly with fine red wines to pair with continental food. As wine culture expands rapidly across urban India, diners are exploring traditional pairings at continental restaurants. However, the diversity of Western cuisine can make selecting the right red wine bottle intimidating. Fortunately, sommeliers and wine experts have singled out versatile options that complement most continental preparations along with Indian taste preferences.
Pinot Noir – The All-Rounder Wine
With its fragrant cherry notes and light body, Pinot Noir may seem counterintuitive for spicy Indian preparations. However, it can complement the subtle flavors of continental cuisine beautifully. The red fruit flavor profile matches well with mushroom dishes or preparations using rosemary and sage. Seafood risottos, salmon in white wine sauce, and vegetables au gratin also make good combinations. Pinot Noir can handle a slight chill too, suiting humid Indian weather. Its friendly acidity cuts through the richness of cheese or cream-based dishes.
Syrah – Pepper and Spice Makes Everything Nice
Shiraz and Syrah encapsulate the spicy, jammy qualities most Indians look for in their red wines. Light, food-friendly Syrah combines red fruit and white pepper nuances with medium tannins. It not only suits bold Indian flavors but also stands up well to smoked or barbequed meats, sausages and game popular in continental preparations. Peppercorn sauces with steak taste delicious when backed by the distinctive spice in Syrah. Cheese platters also meet their intended potential, especially alongside aged Gouda or smoky provolones.
Loire Valley Cabernet Franc – Elegant and Aromatic
Lesser-known Loire Valley Cabernet Franc combines the herbaceous appeal of Cabernet Sauvignon with restrained sweet fruit flavors. An elegant style of wine, its fine tannins will not overpower food. Instead, it mingles tastefully with ingredients like mushrooms, peppers or tomatoes common in pasta dishes, risottos or vegetarian sides. Europeans traditionally pair Cab Franc with older cheeses which it equally complements in the Indian context. Since continental cuisine incorporates wine or cream in cooking, Cabernet Franc allows their flavors to shine through.
Shiraz – Big, Bold and Tandoori-Friendly
Ever-reliable Shiraz offers richness along with trademark black pepper and dark chocolate characters. Better still, it echoes spices integral to Indian cooking – clove, cardamom and black pepper pop against intense jammy Shiraz fruit. Tandoor preparations thus meet their perfect foil in full-bodied Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale bottlings. Classic continental dishes also keep up beautifully. Sharp Cheddar mac and cheese, meaty lasagna or cheesy risottos feel comfortingly indulgent with the backdrop of Shiraz. Concentrated fruit withstands high alcohol, so Shiraz can match the strongest Indian or continental flavors.
Whether dining on European delicacies or fusion offerings, Indian diners can augment the experience by incorporating these red wines to pair with continental food. With versatile fruit profiles and judicious oak treatment, they integrate seamlessly across cuisines and spice levels. As continental food gains more influence locally, so too will globally celebrated wine pairings that have stood the test of time.
Also Read- 5 Indian Foods That Can Be Paired with Wine
[…] Also Read- What Are Some Popular Red Wines To Pair With Continental Food In India? […]