Even though Thailand does not have a strong winemaking history, its fantastic cuisine provides a great opportunity for unexpected wine pairings.
An array of textures and flavours, heavy use of spices and exotic fragrances all come together in one of the best cuisines in the world. Generally speaking, medium-bodied reds with spicy flavours and light tannins are a great option. Try a Primitivo or Syrah from Southern Italy or a zesty Prosecco for lighter vegetarian recipes.
It can be difficult to find the perfect wine for Thai food, so follow our tips below for a guaranteed success.
Green Curry
Green Curry is an aromatic Thai dish that features a blend of green chilies, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices, often including lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s known for its creamy texture and can range from mildly spicy to very hot, depending on the preparation.
For a wine pairing with Green Curry, you want a wine that can stand up to the heat and complexity of the dish without being overshadowed. A wine with a good balance of acidity will complement the richness of the coconut milk, while a touch of sweetness will help tame the heat of the chilies.
San Giovenale Habemus Red Label
Aromatic notes of red cherry, plum, and earth, the palate reveals soft tannins, hints of smoky herbs and enduring berry flavors. Pairs excellently with tomato-based pastas and a variety of cheeses.
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Al-Cantara, 'Luci Luci', Etna, Sicily
An elegant 2019 white, full of forest fruits and rosehip aromas. Vanilla and leather hints add depth. Pure, minerally, and spicy.
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Gaja Idda Etna Bianco
Indulge in a collaborative masterpiece from Gaja and Graci. Bursting with floral and almond notes, this Sicilian white is versatile, from sushi to grilled fish
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Gorgona Bianco Magnum
A unique Tuscan Vermentino with complex aromas of lemon, apricot, and exotic fruits, gently vibrant.
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Castello Bonomi Franciacorta Extra Brut Cuvee Lucrezia Etichetta Nera
A luxurious sparkling wine with ripe berry and citrus notes. Aged 120 months, pairs well with lobster and mature cheese. Cellar for 20 years.
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Marco Carpineti NZÙ Bellone
Pale yellow with orange hints, aromatic white flowers, sweet spices, aged in handmade Cori amphoras
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Pietradolce Archineri Etna Rosso
This 2018 red boasts high-altitude allure, mimicking a Premier Cru Burgundy but more approachable. Complex yet soft, a truly masterful wine.
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Pad Kra Pao Moo (Minced Pork Stir-Fried with Chilli and Thai Basil)
For a dish with a good level of heat and a prominent herbaceous note like Pad Kra Pao Moo, you would want a wine that has a refreshing acidity to counterbalance the spiciness and isn't too high in alcohol, as alcohol can intensify the burn of the chili.
A touch of sweetness isn’t necessary, but it can help tame the dish’s heat. Therefore, a wine with a lower body, marked acidity, and a moderate level of alcohol would pair nicely, especially if it's a white or rosé with some inherent fruity notes to complement the basil.
Mora & Memo E Rose Isola dei Nuraghi
Best consumed now or within four years. Sardinian roots, made of Cannonau and Vermentino. Stainless steel fermentation. Offers cherry, berry, and herb hints with a salty minerality. Crisp, pure finish.
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COS Rami
Biodynamic, organic orange wine with Grecanico and Insolia grapes. Aromas of jasmine, almonds, citrus. Notes of dried apricots, nuts, salty minerality. Cellar 8 years or enjoy now.
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Montefalco Bianco
This Trebbiano white captivates with soft pear, citrus, and floral aromas, wrapped in striking minerality. Its taste is citrusy, fresh, and invigorating.
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Ruggeri Argeo Magnum NV
A Veneto gem, 100% Glera, vivacious bubbles, crisp and celebratory. Sparkling elegance in a bottle
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Pradalupo Roero Arneis DOC
This 2021 white from Piedmont boasts 100% Arneis grapes. Exudes exotic fruits, ripe pears, and honey aromas. Velvety, warm palate is balanced by a fresh acidity.
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Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Soup with Chicken)
The richness of the coconut milk in Tom Kha Gai calls for a wine with a bit of body to match its texture, while the soup’s acidity and aromatic qualities would be well-supported by a wine with a good level of acidity.
A wine that’s not too high in alcohol is preferable to maintain harmony with the soup’s warmth and to not overshadow the complex flavors. A touch of sweetness in the wine can complement the soup's slight spiciness and the tang of the lime.
Choosing a wine like an off-dry Riesling or a Gewürztraminer could provide a nice balance to the soup’s creaminess and enhance the aromatic galangal and lemongrass notes.
Eruzione Etna Pinot Nero
A luxurious 2020 red, layered with baked fruits and vanilla. Balsamic and leather notes lead to a mineral, saline finish.
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Falanghina IGT Campania
Vivid lemon hue. Aromatic blend of tropical fruits: pineapple, apple, pears. Silky and full-bodied, echoes the nose's flavors.
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Tinazzi Ca de Rocchi Pinot Grigio
Bright greenish-straw hue with floral and citrus notes, highlighted by pineapple, peach, and green apple. Fresh, elegant palate with delicate acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or with seafood pasta. Drink now.
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Kalimera Biancolella Ischia DOC
Rare Ischia white grape. Structured wine with citrus and sage aromas. Notable acidic core.
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Pinot Nero DOC
From Trentino South Tyrol, this red wine exhibits a medium ruby hue. Its aromatic nose features red currants and black cherry. Soft tannins and ripe berry flavors are lifted by refreshing acidity.
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Feudi di San Gregorio 'Dubl' Falanghina Brut Spumante, Campania, NV
Fresh, aromatic with golden apple and peach notes. Refreshing and lively, an easy sipper.
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Chicken Pad Thai
For Chicken Pad Thai, a wine that is light to medium in body pairs well, not overpowering the dish but complementing the textural contrast between the soft noodles and crunchy peanuts. Elevated acidity is a must to cut through the dish's sweet and tangy flavors and to match the sourness of the tamarind.
A hint of sweetness in the wine can counterbalance the spice and intensify the dish's inherent sweetness, while a lower alcohol content ensures that the spice level of the dish doesn't get accentuated. Dry to off-dry Rieslings, Grüner Veltliners, or even a light-bodied Pinot Griswould provide a refreshing contrast and complement the complexity of flavors in the Pad Thai.
Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Rose
Salmon-pink Franciacorta with floral and fruity depth. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish-based dishes.
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Castello Bonomi Cordelio Curtafranca
The palate unveils a silky texture, fine tannins, and a core of vibrant fruit, finished with hints of cinnamon and woodsmoke. Ideal for smoked meats and tomato-based pastas. No need to decant.
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Fasoli Gino Soave Pieve Vecchia
Cellar up to 5 years, serve chilled. This organic, biodynamic Soave is crafted from 100% Garganega grapes. Features lemon zest, almond blossom, and white peach notes. Pairs well with shellfish or creamy seafood risottos.
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Tenimenti Grieco, 'Passo alle Tremiti', Molise, Falanghina
Experience the 2021 Falanghina, an aromatic dance of floral and herbal essences. With ripe fruit and citrus zest, it culminates in a saline-mineral finish for a fresh twist.
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Sartori Soave Classico DOC Sella
2022 white, hailing from Veneto. Pale yellow hue, subtle fruit aromas, dry and well-balanced, finishing with a hint of bitter almond.
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