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Wine Pairing with Middle Eastern Spices

Middle Eastern cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, fragrances, and textures, shaped by various cultural influences and abundant spices. This rich culinary tradition poses intriguing challenges and delightful opportunities for wine pairing. Let’s explore how to best match your wines with the aromatic spices commonly found in Middle Eastern dishes.

Understanding the Spice Profile

Middle Eastern spices often encompass a blend of aromatic and intense flavours, with key ingredients including:

  • Cumin: Nutty and warm, lending depth to dishes.
  • Coriander: Citrusy and floral, brightening the palate.
  • Turmeric: Earthy and slightly bitter, providing a golden hue.
  • Sumac: Tangy and tart, perfect for lifts and garnishes.
  • Cinnamon: Sweet and warming, often used in both savoury and sweet contexts.
  • Allspice: A complex spice offering hints of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

These flavours can create exciting challenges when selecting the perfect wine to complement them.

Wine Types for Pairing

White Wines

Wines to Consider:

  • Riesling: A dry or off-dry Riesling offers a lovely balance to the spiciness of Middle Eastern dishes. Its acidity cuts through richness, while its fruitiness complements the diverse spice palette.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: The zesty acidity and herbaceous notes work well with dishes featuring fresh herbs and citrus, making it an ideal match for salads and marinated dishes.
  • Grenache Blanc: This varietal’s stone fruit notes and floral aromas create a harmonious balance with spice-driven dishes.

Red Wines

Wines to Consider:

  • Syrah/Shiraz: With its bold fruit and spicy undertones, Syrah pairs wonderfully with rich meat dishes like kebabs and slow-cooked stews. Its spiciness harmonises well with Middle Eastern spice blends.
  • Zinfandel: This wine’s fruity richness can withstand the robust flavours found in Middle Eastern fare, especially with grilled meats or spiced roasted vegetables.
  • Garnacha: Its bright red fruit and smooth texture complement dishes that feature spices like cinnamon and allspice, often found in tagines.

Rosé Wines

Wines to Consider:

  • Dry Rosé: A versatile choice, dry rosé enhances both meat and vegetarian dishes while holding up against spiced flavours. It can be particularly refreshing with dishes that have a hint of heat or tang.

Sparkling Wines

Wines to Consider:

  • Prosecco or Cava: Bubbly wines add a layer of excitement to your dining experience. Their freshness and acidity make them excellent companions for spicy mezze plates or fried foods.

Classic Middle Eastern Dishes and Pairings

Spiced Grilled Meats

Kebabs and Shawarma:

  • Pair with Grenache or Shiraz for a match made in heaven. The spice and char from the grill meld perfectly with the fruity, peppery notes in these reds.

Vegetarian Dishes

Mujadara (lentils and rice with caramelised onions):

  • A glass of Riesling serves as a refreshing contrast, complementing the lentils’ earthiness.

Falafel with Tahini Sauce:

  • Try a Sauvignon Blanc for its green notes and acidity, which brighten the rich texture of falafel.

Spice-Heavy Stews

Tagines and Curries:

  • A Syrah or Zinfandel can enhance these dishes, where warm spices like cumin and cinnamon play prominently.

Tips for Successful Pairing

  1. Focus on Acidity: Wines with good acidity can balance the richness of dishes and freshen the palate.

  2. Match Intensity: Aim to match the intensity of the wine with the boldness of the spices. Robust reds work with hearty meats, while lighter whites can enhance delicate vegetarian dishes.

  3. Consider Sweetness: For dishes with significant spice, an off-dry wine can help soothe the heat.

  4. Experiment with Regions: Do not hesitate to explore wines from regions with similar spice profiles, such as Spanish or North African wines, to create exciting pairings.

Conclusion

Pairing wine with Middle Eastern spices is an art that invites exploration and creativity. Understanding the unique character of both the spices and the wines allows for a richer, more harmonious dining experience. Whether it is a fragrant tagine, spiced kebab, or a refreshing mezze platter, the right wine can elevate your meal, making every bite a delightful fusion of flavour.

As you delve into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine, embrace the adventure of pairing! There is a vast array of wines waiting to complement these enticing dishes, so gather your favourites and embark on a flavourful journey.