Match of the week

Thai food and off-dry German riesling

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on January 15 2024 at 09:10

This is not the first time, I know, that I’ve suggested Thai food with riesling but it was such a standout pairing at Kolae last week I felt I should remind you of it.

I was intrigued to see if an orange wine which was also on the list would work as well but although I’m generally an admirer of the style it just didn’t do it for me.

Riesling has two qualities that really work well with Thai food, sweetness and searing acidity, making it a genuinely refreshing accompaniment

In the past I’ve felt that rieslings from Australia’s Clare and Eden valleys have the edge but this very young Köster Wolf 2022 Halb Trocken riesling from Rheinhessen had the sweetness that made it an even better match. (The 12% ABV may have helped too.) Strictly Wine is selling it in the UK for £12.59 a bottle and Juiced Wines for £13.95.

I wouldn’t say it went particularly with one dish rather than another - as in most Thai restaurants they’re all served at the same time - but it certainly coped with the heat.

Kolae by the way is the latest opening from Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie of Som Saa fame and conveniently situated just off Borough Market

I ate at Kolae as a guest of the restaurant.

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