Chicken Parmesan Wine Pairings: Discover the perfect complements
Chicken Parmesan, also known as chicken parmigiana, is a popular Italian dish that has gained popularity around the world. This flavorful and comforting meal consists of breaded chicken breasts topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. To enhance the dining experience, pairing Chicken Parmesan with the right wine is essential.
In this article, we will explore the best wine pairings for chicken Parmesan, considering the flavors and characteristics of both the dish and the wines. Whether you prefer red or white, we have compiled a list of recommendations that will enhance your enjoyment of this classic Italian delicacy.
The Best Chicken Parmesan Wine Pairings
When choosing wines to pair with chicken parmesan, it’s important to consider the richness and acidity of the dish. While many people associate white meat with white wine, the presence of tomato sauce in chicken Parmesan requires a different approach. The acidity of the tomato sauce tends to overpower white wines, making red wines a more appropriate choice. However, there may be exceptions based on personal preference and variations in the recipe.
Here are our top recommendations for Chicken Parmesan wine pairings:
1. Pinot Noir
– Flavor Profile: Dry, light to medium bodied, bright acidity, low tannins, fruity acidity with cherry and raspberry notes.
– Recommended Bottle: Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020.
Pinot Noir is a versatile and popular red wine that pairs well with Chicken Parmesan. Its fruity acidity complements the tomato sauce, while its low tannins prevent it from clashing with the dish’s bold flavors. Pinot Noir is known for its wide price range, making it accessible to a variety of budgets.
2. Barbera
– Flavor profile: Deep purple color, light body, low tannins, high acidity, fruity with notes of berries and dark fruits.
– Recommended bottle: Prunotto Fiulot Barbera d’Asti 2019.
Barbera, a red wine grape variety from Italy, is an excellent choice for Chicken Parmesan. Its light-bodied character, low tannins and high acidity make it an ideal match for the richness of the dish. The fruity flavors of cherries and berries in Barbera wines enhance the overall dining experience.
3. Sangiovese
– Flavor profile: Dry red wine, medium bodied with high acidity, notes of herbs, cherry, plum and strawberry.
– Recommended bottle: Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2018.
Sangiovese, a versatile Italian grape, pairs beautifully with chicken parmesan. Its medium-bodied nature and high acidity complement the flavors of the dish, especially if it includes rich red sauces. Sangiovese wines offer a range of flavors, from earthy to fruity, with notes of cherry, plum and strawberry.
4. Merlot
– Flavor profile: Medium acidity, medium tannins, fruity flavor profile with dark fruit notes and herbal undertones.
– Recommended bottle: Decoy Merlot 2019.
Merlot, one of the world’s most popular red wines, pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan. Its medium acidity and fruity character make it a delightful accompaniment to the dish. The dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum, along with herbal notes, create a complementary pairing that enhances the overall flavor experience.
5. Montepulciano
– Flavor Profile: Medium bodied, high tannins, high acidity, strong aroma, red fruit notes along with unique flavor notes such as oregano, tobacco and cocoa.
– Recommended bottle: Zaccagnini Il Vino Dal Tralcetto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2019.
Montepulciano, an Italian grape variety, offers a bold and robust pairing for Chicken Parmesan. Despite its high tannins and acidity, Montepulciano wines harmonize well with the rich flavors of the dish. The red fruit notes, along with hints of oregano, tobacco and cocoa, create a unique flavor profile that complements Chicken Parmesan beautifully.
6. Sparkling White Wine
– Flavor Profile: Light bodied, floral, refreshing crispness.
– Recommended bottle: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore.
While red wines are traditionally preferred with Chicken Parmesan, sparkling white wines can also be a delightful choice. If you prefer white wine or are looking for a refreshing option, a light, sparkling white wine like Prosecco can complement the dish. Its floral nature and crispness provide a contrasting element to the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan.
7. Chardonnay
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FAQS
What kind of wine goes well with Chicken Parmesan?
The flavors of Chicken Parmesan are best complemented by red wines. However, if you prefer a white wine, a sparkling wine can also be a refreshing choice.
Why is red wine recommended with Chicken Parmesan?
Red wine is recommended with chicken Parmesan because of the presence of tomato sauce in the dish. The acidity of the tomato sauce tends to overpower white wines, making red wines a more appropriate pairing.
Can I pair Chicken Parmesan with white wine?
While red wines are traditionally preferred, you can pair Chicken Parmesan with white wine if you prefer. Keep in mind, however, that the acidity of the tomato sauce may overwhelm the flavors of the white wine.
What red wines go well with chicken parmesan?
Several red wine options pair well with chicken Parmesan, including Pinot Noir, Barbera, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Montepulciano. Each wine brings unique characteristics that complement the flavors of the dish.
What are the flavor profiles of the recommended wines?
Pinot Noir offers bright acidity with cherry and raspberry notes. Barbera is known for its high acidity, fruity flavors of berries and dark fruits. Sangiovese offers notes of herbs, cherry, plum and strawberry. Merlot offers medium acidity, fruity flavors and herbal undertones. Montepulciano presents a robust flavor profile with red fruit notes along with hints of oregano, tobacco and cocoa.