Off-dry Riesling or aromatic white
A touch of sweetness calms heat without hiding flavours.
Adapt the match to the dish
Chilli heat accentuates alcohol and tannin: seek supple texture, modest perceived alcohol and sometimes a little sweetness.
When the recipe changes
Pepper, ginger and chilli differ. For hot chilli, limit tannins and alcohol heat; test slight sweetness. For fragrant spice without heat, focus on aromatic balance.
Wines to compare
Riesling — Citrus, precision and vivid acidity. Do not infer sweetness from the grape name alone: check the style and taste the balance between any sugar and acidity.
✦
The tip. Avoid high-alcohol, tannic reds with very hot dishes.
