Sip & Spice: The Ultimate Spice and Wine Pairing Guide

Pairing wine and spice is an art. Get it right, and your taste buds will thank you. Get it wrong, and, well… let’s just say you’ll be reaching for a glass of water real quick. The key is balance: matching the intensity of spices with wines that complement or contrast their flavours.

And because we love keeping things local, we’re focusing on wines from Western Australia. Think Swan Valley, Margaret River, and Great Southern. These regions are home to some cracking reds, whites, and sparklings, perfect for pairing with bold spices and BBQ flavours.

So, grab a glass and let’s dive into the best spice and wine pairings with Big Dog Spices to elevate your next meal.

Quick Summary

• Red wines (Cabernet, Shiraz, Durif) pair well with black pepper, rosemary, and smoked paprika.
• White wines (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay) shine with lemon myrtle, fennel seed, and dill.
• Sparkling wines (Chenin Blanc, Brut Rosé, Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blends) work beautifully with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.
• Big Dog Spices like Texas Beef Rub, Aussie Fish Seasoning, and Peri Peri Salt enhance these flavour pairings effortlessly.

Red Wine & Spice Pairings

Black Pepper & Shiraz/Cabernet

Black pepper isn’t just for seasoning; it’s a flavour booster for bold red wines. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon naturally contain rotundone, the same compound that gives black pepper its spicy kick. This creates a seamless flavour match, enhancing the peppery notes in the wine and your dish.

• Try it with: Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: Steak Rub – Perfect for a pepper-crusted steak, amplifying the bold, tannic structure of WA’s best reds.

Rosemary & Cabernet Sauvignon

Herbaceous and slightly woody, rosemary mirrors the earthy and herbal notes in Cabernet Sauvignon. If your wine has hints of bay leaf or mint (hello, Margaret River Cabs), rosemary bridges those flavours perfectly—especially on lamb or slow-cooked meats.

• Try it with: Driftwood Artifacts Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: All Purpose Seasoning – A rosemary-infused blend that works magic on lamb, roast veggies, and slow-cooked beef.

Smoked Paprika & Shiraz/Durif

Smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy, smoked paprika highlights the dark fruit, tobacco, and spice elements in full-bodied reds like Great Southern Shiraz or Swan Valley Durif.

• Try it with: Harewood Estate Shiraz (Great Southern)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: Texas Beef Rub – Packed with paprika, black pepper, and cumin, this rub is made for a smoked brisket or grilled ribeye with a big WA Shiraz.

White Wine & Spice Pairings

Lemon Myrtle & Riesling/Sauvignon Blanc

Bright, citrusy, and aromatic, lemon myrtle pairs beautifully with crisp white wines. Its intense citrus notes enhance the fresh acidity in Great Southern Riesling and Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc, making it a perfect match for seafood.

• Try it with: Frankland Estate Riesling (Great Southern)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: Aussie Fish Seasoning – Featuring lemon myrtle, this seasoning elevates grilled fish and prawns, harmonising with the wine’s natural zest.

Fennel Seed & Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio

With its subtle licorice and citrusy spice, fennel seed complements the acidity and minerality in WA white wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. It’s fantastic on roast pork, seafood, and even veggie dishes.

• Try it with: Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay (Margaret River)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: All Purpose Seasoning – With fennel, rosemary, and garlic, this blend works wonders on chicken, pork, and roasted potatoes.

Dill & Sauvignon Blanc

Dill’s fresh, grassy flavour is a natural fit for the herbaceous notes in Sauvignon Blanc. This pairing is a no-brainer for grilled barramundi, chicken, or creamy pasta dishes.

• Try it with: Xanadu Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (Margaret River)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: BBQ Chicken Rub – The subtle herbaceous blend complements dill-seasoned seafood or poultry, creating a balanced, bright match for WA’s top white blends.

Sparkling Wine & Spice Pairings

Ginger & Sparkling Rosé

The zesty warmth of ginger pairs beautifully with the acidity and fruitiness of sparkling wines. A brut rosé or semi-sweet sparkling offsets ginger’s heat, making it a great match for Asian-style appetisers, grilled prawns, or spiced pumpkin soup.

• Try it with: Howard Park Brut Rosé (Great Southern)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: Peri Peri Salt – A little heat, a little citrus, and a whole lot of flavour. Sprinkle on grilled prawns or fried chicken for a bold pairing with sparkling rosé.

Cardamom & Blanc de Blancs

This aromatic, floral spice enhances the toasty, yeasty notes in a classic Chardonnay-based sparkling. It’s an ideal match for Indian or Middle Eastern dishes, where the wine’s bubbles cut through rich, spiced foods.

• Try it with: Sittella Sparkling Chenin Blanc (Swan Valley)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: All Purpose Seasoning – Its delicate spice blend enhances everything from roast nuts to spiced charcuterie, making it an excellent snack pairing for sparkling wines.

Cinnamon & Sparkling Demi-Sec

The sweet warmth of cinnamon pairs with the brioche and caramel notes of semi-sweet sparkling wines. Think desserts, pastries, or even spiced nuts for a killer combination.

• Try it with: NV Bead Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling (Margaret River)
• Big Dog Spices Pick: BBQ Coffee Rub – While designed for beef, its cinnamon and spice kick make it an unexpected but brilliant addition to candied nuts or spiced desserts.

Find the Best Meat for Your Spices

Choosing the right spice can make or break your dish – and your wine pairing. If you’re keen to dive deeper into the world of spices, check out our handy spice guide. It’s packed with tips on how to use different spices, the best flavour combinations, and how to level up your cooking game with the perfect seasoning.

Whether you’re grilling up a storm, slow-cooking a feast, or just looking for ways to boost everyday meals, our spice guide has you covered. Check it out and start experimenting!

Final Thoughts

Pairing wine and spice is all about balance and harmony. Whether it’s black pepper with Shiraz, lemon myrtle with Riesling, or cinnamon with sparkling wine. And when you throw Big Dog Spices into the mix, you’re taking your flavour game to the next level.

So, next time you’re planning a BBQ, dinner party, or just a good meal, grab a bottle from Western Australia’s best wine regions and sprinkle on the perfect spice.

Cheers to great food, great wine, and even better company!