Sophie Bennett
Chicken Parmesan is a popular chicken dish that typically includes fried chicken breast, tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese. The wine that pairs best with this dish depends on its specific ingredients and preparation. For instance, if the chicken parmesan has a heavier sauce, it may be better paired with white wine, whereas a lighter sauce may pair well with red wine. When it comes to red wine, acidity is a must as wines that are balanced heavier with tannin will clash with the tomato sauce. Popular red wine pairings include Chianti, Barbera, Dolcetto, Primitivo, and Pinot Noir. White wine pairings include Italian Pinot Grigio or Soave, while sparkling wines like Prosecco and Champagne are also recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Red wine, White wine, Sparkling wine |
| Red Wine Types | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Barbera, Dolcetto, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Rosso di Montalcino, Montepulciano, Brunello, Jura, Tuscan red, Italian Primitivo, Valpolicella Classico |
| White Wine Types | Pinot Grigio, Soave, Chardonnay, Riesling |
| Sparkling Wine Types | Champagne, Franciacorta, Prosecco |
| Wine Characteristics | Fruity, Herbal, Salty, Spicy, Sweet, Dry, Crisp, Acidic, High acidity, Low tannins, Medium-bodied, Full-bodied, Light-bodied, Medium acidity, Low alcohol content |
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What You'll Learn
Red wine suggestions
When it comes to red wine, acidity is a must to pair with chicken parmesan as wines that are heavier with tannin will clash with the tomato sauce. So, it is best to avoid any red wines that have been heavily aged in oak, as oak adds tannin.
A classic pairing with chicken parmesan is a cheap Chianti, which is a popular Italian red wine that is 80% Sangiovese. Chianti has high acidity levels that go very well with rich tomato sauce. This wine complements the sweet tomato flavors of the dish, with bright cherry and plum being the main flavors.
Another option is Pinot Noir, which is made from a thin-skinned grape in Burgundy, France. These wines are light to medium-bodied and they range in style. This wine can cut through the spices of the chicken parmesan, and the flavors of the wine complement the herbs in the dish. It is one of the most versatile wines to use when pairing with foods.
Barbera d’Alba is a medium-bodied and fruity red wine from Italy that features high acidity and bright notes of black and red cherries, along with plums, blackberries, herbs, earth, and spice. The high acidity of Barbera d’Alba makes it a good match with the tomato sauce, while the warm herbal and earthy notes complement the stewed tomato sauce.
An Italian Primitivo is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a slight sweetness due to its refreshing flavors of cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. It is low in tannins and balanced with medium acidity, which will enhance the flavors of the chicken.
Finally, a Tuscan red like Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino would also pair well with chicken parmesan.
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White wine suggestions
While red wine is the most common pairing with chicken parmesan, white wines can also complement the dish well. Here are some white wine suggestions to pair with chicken parmesan:
Italian Pinot Grigio
A dry, crisp, and acidic Italian Pinot Grigio can be a good choice to pair with chicken parmesan. While it may not create a mind-blowing combination, it will not clash with the tomato sauce in the dish.
Soave
Soave is another Italian white wine that can be considered. Like Pinot Grigio, it is dry and crisp and will not conflict with the flavours in chicken parmesan.
Chardonnay
If your chicken parmesan is served on a bed of buttery noodles, Chardonnay is a great pairing option. The buttery notes in the wine will complement the dish beautifully.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines, such as Prosecco, Champagne, or even a rosé, can be excellent choices to pair with chicken parmesan. The bubbles in these wines help to clear your palate of the rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fried breading, ensuring each bite tastes just as delicious as the first.
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Sparkling wine suggestions
While chicken parmesan is typically paired with red or white wines, sparkling wines can also be a great choice. The bubbles in sparkling wines can help to clear your palate of the rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fried breading that are characteristic of chicken parmesan.
If you're looking for a sparkling wine to pair with chicken parmesan, here are some suggestions:
- Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine offers dry and crisp flavours similar to those found in white wine, but with a lovely toasty breadiness that complements the breading of the chicken parmesan. It is also usually inexpensive yet high in quality, making it a great option for banquets or larger gatherings. Look for crisp Proseccos with notes of apricot, lime, apples, and pear to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy tomato sauce.
- Champagne: While it may be more expensive than other options, champagne can be a luxurious and elegant choice to pair with chicken parmesan. Its bubbles will help to refresh your palate between bites, ensuring that each mouthful is as delicious as the first.
- Sparkling Rosé: For something a little different, consider a sparkling rosé. This can be a great choice if you're looking for a lighter and more refreshing option to pair with the dish.
When choosing a sparkling wine to pair with chicken parmesan, look for options that are dry and crisp, as these characteristics will help to balance the richness of the dish. The bubbles are also an important factor, as they provide a palate-cleansing effect that can enhance your dining experience.
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Chianti: yay or nay?
When it comes to pairing wine with chicken parmesan, there are a few factors to consider. The dish typically features fried chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese, so a wine that complements these flavours is ideal. While some people prefer red wine with chicken parmesan, others opt for white wine or sparkling wine.
So, what about Chianti? Chianti is a popular Italian red wine that is often mentioned as a pairing for chicken parmesan. It is known for its high acidity, which can cut through the richness of the dish, especially the tomato sauce. Chianti also has low tannins, so it won't clash with the tomato-based sauce. Chianti Classico, a specific type of Chianti, is made with 80% Sangiovese grapes and features bright cherry and plum flavours that can complement the sweet tomato flavours in the dish.
On the positive side, Chianti is a classic pairing with chicken parmesan. Its high acidity and low tannins make it a good match for the dish's tomato sauce and fried elements. Chianti is also versatile, as it can be enjoyed with or without a heavy sauce on the chicken parmesan. It is an inexpensive option, so it won't break the bank, and it has a relatively low alcohol content, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, including business lunches.
However, some people may prefer a different type of wine with their chicken parmesan. While Chianti's acidity is a plus, its fruity notes might not be for everyone. Chicken parmesan is a versatile dish, and some may want to explore other wine options, such as Barbera, Sangiovese, or Pinot Noir, which also offer high acidity and can complement the dish's flavours. Additionally, white wines like Pinot Grigio or Soave can be paired with chicken parmesan, especially if the dish has a lighter sauce. Sparkling wines, such as Prosecco or Champagne, are also worth considering, as their bubbles can cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
In conclusion, Chianti is a popular and classic choice for chicken parmesan, thanks to its high acidity and ability to complement the dish's flavours. However, there are other wine options that can also enhance the dining experience, and ultimately, the decision to choose Chianti or explore other wines depends on personal preference and the specific flavours present in the chicken parmesan dish.
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Wine to avoid
When it comes to wine pairings, there are a few types of wine that you should avoid serving with chicken parmesan.
Firstly, while red wine is generally considered the best pairing for chicken parmesan, not all red wines will complement the dish. Oak-aged red wines, for example, should be avoided as oak adds tannin, which will clash with the tomato sauce in the dish. Similarly, wines with high tannin content will not pair well with chicken parmesan due to the dish's tomato-based sauce. This means that full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, which tend to be higher in tannin, may not be the best choice.
In addition to tannin content, the weight and acidity of the wine should also be considered. Heavy, oaky Chardonnays, for instance, may overwhelm the dish. While a Chardonnay could work if the chicken parmesan is served on a bed of buttery noodles, a lighter, crisp white wine would generally be a better choice. However, it is worth noting that dry, crisp, and acidic white wines will not necessarily complement the tomato sauce in the dish, so they may not be the ideal pairing.
While sparkling wines like Prosecco and Champagne can be a good alternative to white wine, other sparkling wines, such as Franciacorta, may not be the best choice. Franciacorta is a sparkling Italian wine that tends to be oaky, which, as mentioned earlier, may not pair well with the tomato sauce in chicken parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
Red wines are the most common pairing for chicken parmesan, specifically Chianti, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or an Italian Primitivo.
Red wines have bold flavours and can stand up to the richness of the dish. Wines with high acidity and low tannins complement the tangy tomato sauce and rich flavours of chicken parmesan.
Yes, while less common, white wines like a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chardonnay can also complement the dish. If the sauce is creamy and heavy, a sweeter white wine will balance out the flavours.
Yes, sparkling wines like Prosecco, Champagne, or a sparkling rosé can be a great alternative to white wine. The bubbles can cut through the richness of the dish and complement the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
