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When it comes to pairing drinks with curry dishes, the mind often gravitates towards the classic choices of beer or white wine. That's fine and often the best choice, especially if you are dining out; you'll find that the red wine list is always limited. But what if you are cooking a curry like our "Ultimate Steak Curry" with an expensive cut of meat, and you want that meat to shine as much as the spices? That's where we hit a roadblock and had to try many wines and read a lot about wine pairing for curries to get ideas, and there isn't a lot out there. Instead of telling you the names of the wines, we thought we'd tell you what we learned, so the next time, whether you are cooking a curry at home or dining out, you can choose a red wine to go with it. Or cook a curry to match a wine you already have. Understanding the Dynamics of Red Wine and Curry Pairing Spiciness and Alcohol: This is probably the most important factor to consider when pairing a red wine with a curry. High alcohol content and strong tannins will increase the heat in the curry, clash with spices, and sometimes make it bitter and ruin the flavours of both the curry and the wine. So choose medium-bodied wines such as; Pinot Noir from Europe or countries with cooler climates tends to have a lower alcohol content, whereas Australian or South African Pino Noir would have a higher alcohol content. Another good point about Pinot Noir is that you can serve it at as low as 12 degrees Celsius, which is going to be nice if you are eating a curry. Grenache from southern France will be another good match. It generally has a bit more alcohol than a Pinot Noir and more tanning, but it also has a lot of berries and spices, which will definitely enhance the spices, especially in a delicate curry. Merlot, like Pinot Noir, has to be from a cooler climate for the obvious reason. It has the same level of acidity as Grenache but more body and is more dry. It also has more fruits like plum, blackberries, vanilla, and other spices, which can all help complement spices in a curry. Strength of the Curry: It's too easy to label anything that is made with spices and looks like a sauce as a "curry" and to say cold beer, white wine and rosé will match any of those "curries". However, curries are as complex as wines, with so many different varieties of spice mixes from different countries, and often within the same country, different regions boast their unique take on curry. Each curry tells a story of its own, with layers of flavours and aromas waiting to be explored. Just as one wouldn't simply lump all wines into a single category, the diversity of curries demands thoughtful consideration when it comes to pairing. While it's difficult to list all the curries here, we have chosen well-known curries from different countries as examples for each category. Mild Curries: Chicken Korma, Thai Massaman Curry, Jamaican Curry Chicken, and Japanese Katsu Curry are all good examples of mild curries that can be easily paired with light and fruity wines such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Beaujolais, or Barbera d'Alba. Medium Curries, such as Thai Green Curry, Tikka Masala, Sri Lankan Fish Curry, Chicken Mole, and Chicken Tagine (OK! The last two are technically not curries), can be paired with varieties like Merlot, Grenache, or even a light Australian Shiraz. These wines complement the robust flavours and spices of the dishes without overpowering them, offering a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity. Richer Curries: Indulge in fuller-bodied options such as Shiraz, Zinfandel or a Malbec with curries like Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken and Beef Rendang. All these varieties have blueberry, blackberry, and plum in them, and they will complement the most commonly found spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger, found in these rich curries. From there, depending on the heat level of the curry, choose a wine with less alcohol. While pairing red wine with curry is not as common as white wine or beer, we've discovered that it offers an opportunity to explore the nuances of flavour and texture, creating harmonious combinations that tantalise the senses. Instead of trying to deal with the heat of the curry, elevating the flavour profile of a curry by pairing it with the right red wine can be one of the most satisfying things to do for a dinner party. Imagine the conversations to be had about the spices and how they've transformed our cuisines, as well as how wines have elevated our food. When we started writing this blog, it was supposed to be just a short explanation of how we paired a red wine with our Ultimate Steak Curry, but in the end, we had to add "Part 1" to the title because there is going to be a "Part 2" exploring flavours of curries and red wines and to cook a curry to match your favourite red wine.

Campo Viejo, a name synonymous with Rioja wines, boasts a rich history dating back to 1956. Nestled in the heart of Spain's most prestigious wine region, the winery has consistently produced high-quality wines that showcase the unique character of Tempranillo, the region's star grape. Today, we delve into their crown jewel, the Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva, a testament to the transformative power of time and meticulous craftsmanship. The Gran Reserva designation in Rioja is reserved for exceptional wines that undergo a minimum of five years of ageing. This extended period allows the wine to mature gracefully, developing complex flavours and a smooth, velvety texture. Campo Viejo's Gran Reserva is a blend dominated by Tempranillo, often accompanied by smaller percentages of Graciano and Mazuelo, two other indigenous grapes that add depth and complexity. The Tasting Journey In the Glass: The first glimpse of the Campo Viejo Gran Reserva reveals a captivating ruby red hue, hinting at the richness within. A hint of orange tinges the edges as the wine swirls, a subtle indicator of its maturity. The Nose: Upon closer inspection, a captivating bouquet unfolds. Ripe black fruits like plums and blackberries take centre stage, intertwined with notes of dried cherries and figs. Hints of spice, such as cinnamon and clove, add intrigue, while subtle oaky notes whisper of vanilla and cedar, hinting at the wine's time spent in oak barrels. On the Palate: The first sip is a revelation. The wine boasts a full-bodied structure, yet the tannins are surprisingly smooth and polished, a testament to the extended ageing. The initial burst of ripe fruit flavours from the nose translates beautifully onto the palate, layered with hints of cocoa and tobacco. The well-integrated oak adds a touch of vanilla sweetness and a pleasant dryness to the finish. The acidity, though moderate, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the wine, ensuring a balanced and lingering finish. Food Pairings The Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva is a versatile food pairing companion. Its full-bodied character and well-developed tannins make it a perfect match for rich and flavorful dishes. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience: Hearty Red Meat: Grilled steaks, braised lamb shanks, or a slow-roasted pork shoulder would all find perfect harmony with the bold flavours of the wine. Hard Cheeses: The wine's tannins can stand up to the sharpness of aged cheddar or Manchego cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast. Mushroom Dishes: Earthy mushroom flavours pair beautifully with the wine's earthy undertones and hints of spice. Consider a rich mushroom risotto or a creamy mushroom pasta sauce. Spicy Food: The wine's acidity cuts through the heat of spicy cuisine, making it a great companion for dishes like Thai curries or Mexican enchiladas. We tried an easy chicken tagine with this wine. Check out our Something Like A Tagine. Final Verdict The Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva is a remarkable wine that showcases the elegance and complexity achievable through meticulous ageing. The combination of well-integrated fruit flavours, subtle oak influence, and smooth tannins create a truly memorable drinking experience. While the price point may be slightly higher than some other Rioja wines, the extended ageing process and the resulting quality justify the investment. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars This wine is a true testament to the adage that good things come to those who wait. With its captivating aromas, rich flavours, and smooth texture, the Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva is a perfect choice for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a timeless classic.

Welcome to The Kitchen Counter Sessions, where we mix friends, food, and music into an unforgettable Experience! Our journey began with a simple idea: sharing our recipes and playlists with friends and anyone interested in joining us on this adventure. Every fortnight, we unveil an "Experience" - a three-course meal with wines, cocktails, and a DJ mix, perfect for dinner parties and special occasions. These Experiences are inspired by moments shared with friends, where the music selection often reflects the mood, conversations, and company present. Explore our Music Stream to find a mix that resonates with you and pairs perfectly with your chosen dinner menu. After all, it's all about experimenting with mixing flavours and music. We created this platform to share recipes with friends looking to cook the food they've enjoyed at our dinner parties. We aim to inspire your own culinary adventures, so we keep the recipes simple, catering to cooks of all skill levels, from basics to advanced techniques. If a recipe or the time management for our three-course meals requires further explanation, we provide detailed insights in separate blog posts. On the Experience pages, we share brief reviews of the wines or drinks paired with the food. For unique or special finds, we dive deeper and give you full reviews in longer blog posts. Our DJ Mixes, available on MixCloud and YouTube, provide the perfect musical accompaniment. While some mixes are high-tempo, suited for our dinner experiences, our Lounge section offers chill music and cocktail recipes for relaxed moments. We invite you to join us on this adventure, sharing food and music with friends. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates on new Experiences, recipes, and mixes. We hope you will enjoy mixing the food and music with your friends.