Matching Wine With Middle Eastern Food
This style of food is becoming increasingly popular, and is bringing a myriad of new flavours and ideas to our tables. Much of the tradition of this style of food is based on sweet, rather than hot spices (think cinnamon, allspice, cumin), and incorporates fruit in many of the dishes (think tagines and couscous).
The best wines for this style of cuisine are very fruity dry and off-dry whites, such as South African Chenin Blanc, and French or New World Viognier.
Fruity New World Shiraz Rose is another good option. For reds, to balance the sweet fruit and cinnamon spice, your best bet are soft, fruity reds, with a natural sweet spice of their own – Sicilian Nero d’Avola, Spanish Tempranillo, and juicy Merlot – Californian Zinfandel would also go well.
Click the underlined links above to check out all grapes under their categories, or take our recommendations below!
Chenin Blanc
- Under the Lemon Tree Chenin Blanc - Chenin from Robertson in South Africa, it's deliciously zesty and lemony with a creamy body.
- Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc - Ken Forrester is master of South African Chenin. This is full bodied and well rounded with well balanced fruit and delicate oak flavours. Think dried apricot and pineapple, a hint of vanilla and some typical Chenin honey notes on the long-lasting finish.
- Lobster Shack Chardonnay Viognier Chenin Blanc - A nice blend that is juicy, fruity and aromatic. It's got acidic crispiness and zest combined with fruit flavours of ripe peach and apple. The finish is creamy and a little bit spiced.
Viognier
- Queen Bee Viognier - A handcrafted, South African white from SA's 'Ethical Winery of the Year' 2021. It is round and elegantly fresh with vibrant tropical fruits, peach, pear and orange blossom.
- The Black Pig Viognier - Rather than the usual big, bold Viognier's you can find, this one is dialled down a notch so you can really appreciate the flavour profile of the grape variety. Find varietal stone fruits and a fresh palate.
- Men in White Coats Viognier - Another South African Viognier that is elegant and fragrant with notes of apricot and white peach. Popular and rightly so!
Shiraz Rose
- McGuigan Estate Rose - Packed full of delicious strawberry and raspberry flavours which are complemented by a refreshing finish. Fruity and fresh, it's ideal.
- Altozano Tempranillo Shiraz Rosado - Admittedly not New World, but still a good match up with red berry aromas and ripe, succulent strawberry flavours. Crisp and dry rosé, smooth and refreshing.
Nero d'Avola
Spanish Tempranillo
- The Guv'nor - This is a true bestseller in every meaning of the word. Exceedingly smooth and mellow with dark fruit and vanilla.
- Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo - Another crowd-pleaser that shows Rioja doesn't have to cost the earth to be delicious. It balances dark fruit with freshness remarkably well.
- Jam Shed Spanish Tempranillo - Proving that Australian winemakers are found anywhere, the Shiraz sensations have turned their hand to Tempranillo and made a lovely fruity example that is perfect for fruity dishes.
Merlot
- Apothic Merlot - Really approachable and silky smooth, it's full of plum, blackberry and Vanilla flavours with a velvety finish.
- Oyster Bay Merlot - From the winemakers behind one of the world's most popular Sauvignon Blancs is this juicy Merlot. Bright cherry and rich plum combine in a vivid wine with good depth.
- Jack Rabbit Merlot - Often seen on pub shelves, Jack Rabbit is Californian Merlot at it's most fruity. Smooth and berry-laden, it's a mellow sipper that'll keep you coming back for a refill.
Californian Zinfandel
- Carnivor Zinfandel - The name should tell you what this is meant to go with. It's a weighty wine with dark cherry, blackberry and jam notes given added complexity by toasty oak notes.
- Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel - One of my favourite wines ever. It's rich and chunky, bursting with black and red fruit character, finishing in chocolate and spice.
- Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel - Think mocha, blueberry, juicy plum and chocolate which have a lovely vanilla streak going through them. It has good weight on the palate allowing it to match with strong flavoured dishes.