Saag Paneer

Saag Paneer

Saag paneer is spinach and fresh paneer in a mild, gently spiced creamy sauce, so the green, faintly bitter spinach and the soft fresh cheese set the terms: the wine wants green-toned acidity to bridge the spinach, freshness to cut the cream and no tannin to clash with the cheese. A crisp, herbaceous white leads. Avoid tannin and oak.

Pairs Perfectly

A Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand. Its green, zesty character bridges the spinach directly while the acid lifts the cream.

Pairs Well

An off-dry Riesling, Mosel Kabinett, Germany. Light and gently sweet, it soothes the mild spice and keeps the dish fresh.

A Verdejo, Rueda, Spain. Green and high in acid, a crisp, inexpensive match for the spinach.

Avoid

Tannic reds, which turn metallic against the fresh paneer, and oaked whites, which smother the green freshness.

Failing That

A Picpoul de Pinet, France.

If All Else Fails

Pinot Grigio, Italy.

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