Penfolds Dining
Asian
Thai Curries
Serve crisp Semillon with a hot Green Curry. A crisp Gewuerztraminer or a well-balanced Chardonnay will partner a milder, coconut-creamy curry. With the more aromatic red curries an equally aromatic, low-tannin red can be an option; try a young Shiraz or Shiraz blend with plenty of sweet fruit.
- Cellar Reserve Gewurztraminer
- Koonunga Hill Chardonnay
- Rawsons Retreat Semillon Chardonnay
- Rawsons Retreat Shiraz Cabernet
Thai Noodles & Bean Sprouts
Crunchy bean sprouts and oily noodles are good with a crisp Riesling, Gewuerztraminer or Chardonnay. Noodles and bean sprouts with prawns or chicken, and given a kick with lemongrass, coriander, garlic etc. also make an interesting partnership with a young, not too floral Riesling.
Spicy Fishcakes
A good, crisp Riesling will cope with the potent mix of hot and spicy flavours, herbs and fish.
Peanut Sauce
Choose a ripe Chardonnay to match the rich, creamy flavours and textures of the peanut sauce.
Tandoori/Tikka
Light savoury reds and young crisp whites will cope with the variety of Tandoori and Tikka sauces. Try a young Shiraz or Shiraz Cabernet Merlot blend, or a light Semillon Chardonnay.
Mild, creamy and aromatic curries
Choose a good quality Chardonnay with subtle oak and restrained fruit to accompany milder, aromatic and gently spiced curries made using coconut cream or yoghurt.
Spicy, hot and tomato-based curries
Fairly spicy curries, with rich often tomato-based sauces, are great with a fruity, flavoursome red with low tannins. Try a good Shiraz - fruity rather than spicy - or Shiraz Cabernet blend, or Merlot. To deal with a hot curry, try a Chardonnay Semillon blend, with its mix of tangy acidity and structure. Alternatively, the freshness and flavour intensity of a Riesling will also cope well with the heat.
- Cellar Reserve Gewurztraminer
- Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz
- Koonunga Hill Cabernet Merlot
- Rawsons Retreat Semillon Chardonnay
- Eden Valley Reserve Riesling
Chinese
White blends and young Rieslings with their hints of sweetness on the finish are the best all-round options with Chinese food. Try Chardonnay Semillon and similar medium-dry young whites. If you prefer red wine, choose a soft fruity, low-tannin style. For example, a Shiraz Cabernet blend may do the trick. When it comes to Sweet and Sour dishes, take a mouthful of rice instead.