Think Bollywood parties and signature dishes from the local curry house - like me, you would probably ask for a beer. Chicken tikka masala, basmati rice and the ubiquitous bottle of Cobra go hand in spice.
But I’ve discovered that posh Indian is a rather more fragrant affair.
Michelin-starred Quilon in London specialises in traditional food from the south-west coast of India, and has earned Wine Spectator magazine’s 2009 Award of Excellence for its impressive selection of wines.
Adventurous foodies can choose from 128 wines which have been chosen to complement and enhance the restaurant’s distinct combination of flavours and spices.
With 80 wines available by the carafe, and an optional food-matching menu to enhance "the wine experience", a recent tasting has persuaded this lager lout to reach for a stem instead!
Next time your taste-buds say "Indian takeaway", may I suggest a delicious glass of Riesling. It’s incredibly versatile and food-friendly, and complements delicately-spiced dishes, especially seafood.
Some of the finest German Riesling comes from the Mosel and Pfalz regions in the Rhine Valley, where the picturesque landscape is dotted with castle ruins and sweeping vineyards.
These fruit-driven wines range in sweetness from the off-dry, broadly appealing Kabinett to Eiswein, incredibly sweet and far too sticky for my liking.
Try Dr Loosen Wolf Pfalz Riesling 2007 (£45 for case of six bottles, www.bibendum-wine.co.uk), which is a traditional off-dry style and deliciously fruity with stone-fruit flavours and full, rich texture.
For something bright and fresh with impeccable quality, Dr Loosen Urzieger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2007 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (£12.49 at Waitrose) is fruity with a spicy, minerally character that’s a total cure-all after a stressful day.
If you prefer something from Down Under, New Zealand has also put its label on the aromatic Riesling grape. First planted in the 1970s, it has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area.
Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2008 (£7.99 at Threshers, Wine Rack, Majestic) is beautifully balanced with a slightly off-dry style, citrusy with a fantastic zesty lime finish.
For spicy dishes such as Mangalorean chicken and heartier meats, a glass of Pinot Noir balances the elements without overwhelming and allows the flavours to linger.
From across the Tasman in Australia, I’ve grown fond of Stonier Pinot Noir 2007-08 (£11.99 Waitrose), grown in the fashionable Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. It’s rich in plum and cherry fruit, but with earthy, savoury spice and ripe tannins.
Thanks to Australia’s thirst for cooler climates, trendy up-and-comer Tasmania also has some brilliant reds that work well with mild Indian food.
Top wine producer Andrew Pirie now has his own label, for which you have to pay a premium - but it does offer good cellaring potential of five to eight years.
For a perfect match to spicy duck, try his Pirie Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (£15 at www.stratfordwine.co.uk) from the Tamar Valley in the north of the island state.
Serve in an elegant, long-stem glass for a gorgeous mouthful of flavour that’s bursting with plum, cherry, kirsch and a hint of sweet, dark chocolate.
Something tells me it’s time to place an order and drink to an Indian summer!
BUY OF THE WEEK
A noble offering from the German Wine Road is Palatium Pinot Blanc 2008 (£5.99 at Tesco). This off-dry white is full of peach, pear and citrus flavours, refreshingly light on the palate with a crisp finish. Fantastic with Asian food, especially Pad Thai noodles or satay chicken.
LIQUID NEWS
Pink princess! Girls are suckers for anything in bubblegum pink, so it won’t be too long before the new-look Champagne Lanson Rose is top of our pop parade. The new ab-fab packaging is destined to make this the No 1 choice of bubbles for girly soirees, hen nights and birthdays. With forest fruit flavours, it’s ideal served as an aperitif. Champagne Lanson Rose Label Rose Brut NV, £32.99 at Waitrose.
Fashionistas will probably agree that sherry has never been ’the in-drink’ to be seen with on the cocktail catwalk - at least, not until now. Aunty’s favourite tipple has been given a makeover by design label PPQ for London Fashion Week, September 18-22.
Harveys Bristol Cream, the official drinks sponsor, will be shaking up cocktails for the week’s most stylish parties and "best in show".
Not on the guest list? Here’s a sneak preview from the runway to try at home.
HARVEYS & LEMONADE COCKTAIL RECIPE
Simply pour one part Harveys Bristol Cream (75cl, RRP £8.15, available nationwide) and two parts lemonade into a large glass jug. Add a selection of succulent fruits such as apples, oranges and blueberries with mint and plenty of ice!
