Best Wine to Pair with Hot Wings

Classic Buffalo wings, with their fiery hot sauce and tangy vinegar kick, pair perfectly with an off-dry Riesling. The wine’s touch of sweetness and refreshing acidity tame the heat, while its citrus notes complement the sauce. For a festive touch, Prosecco offers lively bubbles and a hint of fruitiness, cooling your palate between bites and highlighting the wings’ zesty flavors.

Barbecue wings are rich and smoky-sweet, calling for a wine that can both withstand and enhance their bold flavors. Zinfandel is a great red option, with juicy berry fruit and spice that echo the barbecue sauce’s depth. If you prefer white, Chenin Blanc (especially in an off-dry style) brings vibrant acidity and subtle sweetness, balancing the sauce’s tang and caramelized notes.

Honey garlic wings offer a balance of sweet and savory with a garlicky punch. Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic floral character and touch of residual sugar, matches the honey’s sweetness while smoothing out the garlic. For a more subtle pairing, Pinot Gris provides crisp acidity and stone fruit flavors that refresh the palate and let the glaze shine.

Zesty lemon pepper wings call for wines that highlight their bright citrus and peppery notes. Sauvignon Blanc is a natural fit, offering vibrant acidity and grassy undertones that play well with lemon and spice. Alternatively, Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain, cuts through the richness with bubbles and a crisp finish, elevating the dish’s lively flavors.

Inspired by Indian spices, tandoori wings are bursting with aromatics and gentle heat. Dry Rosé provides refreshing acidity and red berry flavors that cool the palate and enhance the spice blend. For a more exotic match, Viognier offers floral and stone fruit notes that complement the wings’ vibrant seasoning.

• Balance heat with sweetness – Choose wines with a touch of sweetness, like off-dry whites, to counteract the spicy heat of the wings.
• Enhance flavors – Look for wines with complementary flavor profiles, such as citrus notes for tangy sauces or berry undertones for smoky-sweet glazes.
• Consider acidity – Wines with high acidity, like sparkling wines or Sauvignon Blanc, help cleanse the palate and refresh between bites.
• Mind the sauce – Match your wine choice to the specific sauce on the wings, whether it's fiery Buffalo, rich barbecue, or aromatic tandoori.
• Experiment with bubbles – Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava can add a festive touch and cut through the richness of the wings.