Spicy & Bold — Food & Wine Pairings

BBQ Brisket

Smoked beef brisket combines fat, bark, smoke, and often sweet sauce.

Best match $

Bold California Zinfandel

Its generous fruit, spice, and warmth meet sweet smoke, barbecue sauce, and deeply browned flavors.

Also great

Argentine Malbec $

Bold Cabernet or Bordeaux blend $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Beef Tartare

Raw chopped beef with capers, mustard, herbs, egg yolk, and salty seasoning.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Crisp light red $

Bone-dry Riesling $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Biryani

Spiced rice with meat or vegetables is aromatic, savory, and moderately rich.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Braised Lamb

Slow-cooked lamb has deep savor, soft texture, and often warm spice.

Best match $

Southern Rhône GSM blend

Its ripe fruit, pepper, and warm herbal notes meet roasted or braised flavors while staying softer than a Cabernet-shaped wine.

Also great

Aged Nebbiolo $$$

Bold Rhône-style Syrah $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Butter Chicken

Tomato, butter, cream, and warm spice make a rich gentle curry.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Richer Rhône-style white $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Butternut Squash Soup

Sweet squash soup is creamy, earthy, and often gently spiced.

Best match $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay

Its creamy texture and oak spice mirror butter, cheese, cream, and shellfish richness without needing sweetness.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Richer Rhône-style white $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Carne Asada Tacos

Grilled beef tacos combine char, lime, salsa, herbs, and corn tortilla.

Best match $$

Iberian Tempranillo

Its savory red fruit, oak polish, and moderate tannin feel comfortable with grilled meat, paprika, lamb, and slow-cooked sauces.

Also great

Argentine Malbec $

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Ceviche

Citrus-cured seafood is bright, raw, saline, and often chile-spiked.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Iberian white $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Chiles Rellenos

Stuffed peppers bring chile flavor, cheese richness, tomato, and often frying.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Dim Sum

A mixed dim sum table asks for one flexible wine across many textures.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Pét-nat ancestral-method sparkling wine $

Off-dry Riesling $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Falafel

Fried chickpea fritters with herbs, tahini, pickles, and pita need freshness.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Fried Chicken

Salty, crunchy fried poultry needs freshness, bubbles, or a little sweetness.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Gazpacho

Chilled tomato and vegetable soup is bright, raw, and acid-driven.

Best match $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc

Its green-herb lift, citrus, and high acidity work with fresh vegetables, goat cheese, herbs, and chile-lime seasoning.

Also great

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Green Curry Chicken

Coconut, green chile, herbs, and chicken create a spicy aromatic curry.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Hummus Platter

Chickpea puree with tahini, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and vegetables.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Crisp mineral Loire-style white $$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken, peanuts, chile, and sweet-sour sauce need fruit and restraint.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lamb Kofta

Spiced grilled lamb meatballs bring char, cumin, herbs, and fat.

Best match $

Southern Rhône GSM blend

Its ripe fruit, pepper, and warm herbal notes meet roasted or braised flavors while staying softer than a Cabernet-shaped wine.

Also great

Iberian Tempranillo $$

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lamb Vindaloo

Hot, tangy lamb curry puts vinegar, chile, and spice in the foreground.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lentil Stew

Earthy lentils, vegetables, herbs, and stock make a savory vegetarian stew.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Mapo Tofu

Tofu, chile bean paste, Sichuan pepper, and meat create heat and umami.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Crisp light red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Mole Poblano

Complex chile, spice, chocolate, and seed sauce creates a layered pairing.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Bold California Zinfandel $

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Moussaka

Layered eggplant, lamb, tomato, spice, and bechamel make a rich bake.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

Bold Cabernet or Bordeaux blend $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pad Thai

Sweet-sour noodles with peanut, lime, fish sauce, and mild heat need lift.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Paella

Saffron rice with seafood, chicken, sausage, or vegetables is savory and flexible.

Best match $$

Darker Bandol-style rosé

Its fuller body and savory pink-fruit depth give more grip for duck, lamb, beans, and robust Mediterranean plates.

Also great

Iberian white $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Palak Paneer

Spinach, paneer, and gentle spice make an earthy vegetarian curry.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Pasta, Pecorino, and black pepper create a salty, creamy, peppery dish.

Best match $$

Bone-dry Riesling

Its piercing acidity and mineral drive give structure without oak, making delicate seafood and salty dishes taste sharper.

Also great

Italian coastal white $

Oaked buttery Chardonnay $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Peking Duck

Crisp duck skin, pancakes, scallions, and hoisin create sweet-savory richness.

Best match $$

Silky Pinot Noir

It brings perfume, gentle tannin, and savory red fruit without forcing the food into a heavy red-wine frame.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pork Belly

Rich layers of pork fat and meat call for acid, bubbles, or aromatic lift.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Amontillado or Oloroso Sherry $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pulled Pork

Slow-cooked pork shoulder often combines smoke, sweetness, vinegar, and spice.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Bold California Zinfandel $

Argentine Malbec $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Ramen

Savory broth, noodles, pork, egg, and tare make a salty umami bowl.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Crisp light red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower turns nutty, browned, and savory, especially with spice.

Best match $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay

Its creamy texture and oak spice mirror butter, cheese, cream, and shellfish richness without needing sweetness.

Also great

Crisp mineral Loire-style white $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Sashimi

Raw sliced fish is even more delicate than sushi because there is no rice buffer.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Crisp mineral Loire-style white $$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in tomato-pepper sauce create a spicy, acidic brunch dish.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Tart medium red $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Shrimp

Sweet shellfish is light but gains range from garlic, spice, or frying.

Best match $

Iberian white

Its peach, citrus, and sea-spray freshness work where shellfish, rice, herbs, or lime need a clean white.

Also great

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Sushi Omakase

A sequence of raw fish and seasoned rice demands precision and low tannin.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Sweet Potato

Sweet potato brings earthy sweetness, soft texture, and often warm spice.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tapas Platter

A mixed tapas spread needs versatile wines for salt, oil, seafood, and smoke.

Best match $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry

Its bone-dry, saline, almondy profile is outstanding with salt, seafood, olives, ham, and briny flavors.

Also great

Amontillado or Oloroso Sherry $$

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tofu

Tofu is texture-first and sauce-driven, ranging from delicate to boldly spicy.

Best match $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc

Its green-herb lift, citrus, and high acidity work with fresh vegetables, goat cheese, herbs, and chile-lime seasoning.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tom Yum

Hot-sour soup with lemongrass, lime, chile, and shrimp is sharply aromatic.

Best match $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc

Its green-herb lift, citrus, and high acidity work with fresh vegetables, goat cheese, herbs, and chile-lime seasoning.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

🌶 Spicy & Bold

Just ask Scott.