burning hot vs. sweetly cool

FavorFlav’s MissWineLane tells you which Alsace wine to drink with which Asian dish. Because what tastes fantastic with sushi isn’t necessarily a success with your Indian curry. 

#1 Crémant d’Alsace

Made like champagne, but softer in taste. It smells of apples, peach and pear, sometimes with hints of white flowers and a little brioche. The fresh acidity and fine mousse add a subtle sparkling note to the taste and texture of many lightly spiced Asian dishes. Fantastic with sushi & sashimi. Moreover, the bubbles (just like beer) are refreshing and quench your thirst.

#2 Riesling d’Alsace

A fresh wine with a mineral note and low alcohol. A dream wine to accompany Asian fish and seafood. With its good grape concentration, delicious acidity and just a touch of sweetness, the wine harmonizes perfectly with spicy herbs in a dish with fish. Depending on the level of spiciness, choose a drier, more mature and/or sweeter version.

#3 Pinot Gris d’Alsace

One of the most gastronomic Alsace wines. The aroma, flavor and roundness of Pinot Gris make it ideal for many spiced dishes from Asia. It combines effortlessly with coconut, coriander, curry and egg. But it also knows what to do with artichoke and hot peppers. Its lush and rich mouthfeel makes it the best friend of poultry and spicy pork.

#4 Gewurztraminer d’Alsace

Gewurztraminer is exuberant, bold and seductive all at once. The grape has a high sweetness potential and a distinctive aromatic perfume of lychees and rose. On the palate, it is spicy and mild. This is the ideal partner for the hottest spices and herbs. Because the hotter the dish, the sweeter the wine. Residual sugar soothes the heat and creates a protective layer in your mouth against the chili fire. And it also enhances aromatic flavors such as coriander.

#5 Gentil

A friendly, floral blend with a distinct Alsatian temperament. The spicy Gewurztraminer, refined Riesling, characterful Pinot Gris and fruity Muscat are all represented here. Not an enormous powerhouse, but a wonderfully aromatic and generous style. A Gentil has enough character to hold its own alongside the pronounced flavors of soy, wasabi and other Asian sauces.

#6 Pinot Noir d’Alsace

The (chilled) red alternative to all the other white wines. Alsatian Pinot Noir has moderate tannins and goes well with red pepper (not too much). The wine is smooth, fruity and fresh, and pairs perfectly with most Asian dishes, even those with seafood.

Read more about Asian food and wine here.