Finding the right wine to pair with your food can be a daunting task, even for the most seasoned wine specialists. But fear not, with a little guidance, everyone can find the perfect match. My former employer Eric, who was the managing director of the wine importing business where I worked for 10+ years in the Netherlands, offered me the solution. When I left the business to pursue my dream of living abroad, he gave me a little book "Welke wijn waarbij" full of wine/food pairing tips that I still use to this day.

What is a better way to start our first wine and food pairing blog than by highlighting Asian cuisine with our newest addition to our wine list: Mount Riley from New Zealand. Because when it comes to pairing wine with Asian food, New Zealand wines are the ideal match. With their bright acidity, crisp fruit flavours, and mineral notes, they complement the complex and spicy flavours of Asian cuisine perfectly.

New Zealand is famous for producing some of the world's finest wines, and its unique terroir is what makes them stand out. The country's cool climate, maritime influence, and diverse soils create the perfect conditions for growing a variety of grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.

Sauvignon Blanc is perhaps the most well-known grape variety from New Zealand. Its zesty, tropical fruit flavours and crisp acidity make it the perfect match for Asian cuisine. The grape is grown throughout the country, with the Marlborough region being the most famous. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is characterised by its vibrant fruit flavours of passionfruit, lime, and grapefruit, making it an excellent pairing for spicy or aromatic dishes like Thai green curry or Vietnamese pho.

Chardonnay is also a popular grape variety in New Zealand. The country's cool climate gives the wine bright acidity and mineral notes. New Zealand Chardonnay is often described as elegant and restrained, with flavours of citrus, white peach, and a hint of oak. This style of Chardonnay pairs well with Asian dishes that are rich and savory, such as stir-fried beef or spicy noodles.

New Zealand Pinot Noir is grown primarily in the cooler regions of the country, such as Central Otago and Martinborough. The wine's bright acidity, delicate tannins, and flavours of red fruit like cherry and raspberry make it a great pairing for dishes that are rich and earthy, like mushroom stir-fry or slow-cooked beef.

Pinot Gris is a grape variety that is gaining popularity in New Zealand. It is grown primarily in the cooler regions of the country, such as Marlborough and Central Otago. New Zealand Pinot Gris is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of pear, apple, and spice. This style of Pinot Gris pairs well with dishes that are sweet and sour, such as sweet and sour pork or chicken.

Choosing the right glassware can also enhance your enjoyment of New Zealand wines. For Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, a white wine glass with a narrow rim is ideal. For Chardonnay, a wider bowl-shaped glass is best, allowing the wine to breathe and open up its aromas. For Pinot Noir, a Burgundy glass with a wide bowl and narrow rim is ideal, allowing the wine to develop its delicate aromas and flavours. 

In conclusion, if you're looking for the perfect wine to pair with Asian cuisine, New Zealand wines are the ideal choice. 

So next time you're enjoying a meal, don't forget to reach for one of our Mount Riley wines, and "Kia mākona"!

Mount Riley
Mount Riley is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand. They specialise in producing premium, handcrafted wines that are perfect for food pairing. What sets Mount Riley apart is their commitment to sustainability, using organic practices in the vineyards and winery to create wines that are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly. With their high-quality wines, well scored at Vivino and available at an affordable price point, Mount Riley is the best buy for those looking to elevate their food pairing experience.