Mia Patel
Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish, but what wine goes well with it? The answer depends on your taste preferences and the specific ingredients used in the dish. Some people prefer red wine, while others prefer white wine. When it comes to red wine, a light-bodied variety like Pinot Noir or Gamay is a good choice, as it has enough acidity to cut through the richness of the teriyaki sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the chicken. For those who prefer white wine, an off-dry variety like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, or Torrontés can complement the sweetness of the sauce. These wines often have sweet and flowery aromas, such as rose, lychee, and apricot, that pair well with the garlic and ginger flavours in the teriyaki sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Red wines | Lambrusco, Schiava, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Zinfandel, Tempranillo |
| White wines | Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Torrontés, Cava, Prosecco, Chardonnay |
| Other drinks | Japanese beer, green tea, ginger ale or ginger beer, cocktails with citrus flavours |
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What You'll Learn
Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Gamay
Teriyaki sauce is known for its strong flavour and sweetness, which means that light but fruit-forward red wines are the best pairings with chicken teriyaki. Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Gamay are ideal. These wines have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the teriyaki sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the chicken.
Pinot Noir is a classic pairing with duck and other game, but it also works well with chicken teriyaki because of its fruit-forward character. It will complement the teriyaki and other soy-based sauces. Pinot Noir is lighter than other medium-bodied red wines such as Zinfandel and is typically served slightly chilled. It bursts with red fruit flavours like strawberry and cotton candy.
Gamay is another light-bodied red wine that can be served with chicken teriyaki. It is known for its high acidity and bright red fruit flavours. Gamay wines are produced in the Beaujolais region of France, as well as in the Loire Valley and the Jura region.
When choosing a wine to pair with chicken teriyaki, it is important to consider the intensity of the dish and the sauce. Chicken can pair well with both red and white wines, but because teriyaki is a dark sauce, a heavier red wine could swamp out the subtle poultry flavours. A light-bodied red wine is a better choice, as it will complement the sweetness of the sauce without being too overwhelming.
In addition to light-bodied red wines, there are several other drink options that pair well with chicken teriyaki. Japanese beers, such as lagers or pilsners like Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin Ichiban, are classic choices that complement the flavours of chicken teriyaki. Their crispness and light bitterness can balance the sweetness of the sauce. Green tea, either hot or cold, is also a refreshing and palate-cleansing option. The earthy and slightly astringent qualities of green tea can cut through the richness of the dish.
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Lambrusco, a light and fruity red wine
Lambrusco is an Italian wine made from grapes grown in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, principally around the central provinces of Modena, Parma, Reggio-Emilia, and Mantua. It is typically a sparkling wine, with a range of flavours from fresh red fruits like cherries and strawberries to subtle notes of flowers and spices. Lambrusco is also produced in styles that range from dry to sweet, with some varieties producing a darker and more full-bodied wine.
When it comes to pairing Lambrusco with food, it is quite versatile. In Italy, it is often served with classic dishes like Parma ham, lasagna, pizza, and antipasti. The lively acidity and fruity aromas of Lambrusco create a harmonious balance and enhance the flavours of the food. Beyond Italian cuisine, Lambrusco can also be paired with other types of food, such as burgers, Asian, or Mexican dishes.
While any style of Lambrusco will generally provide a great pairing experience with teriyaki chicken, it is recommended to avoid the extra sweet styles. The dryness and acidity of Lambrusco can balance out the sticky and sweet teriyaki sauce, while its fruity flavours can enhance the overall dining experience. Therefore, Lambrusco, with its versatility and range of flavours, is a recommended wine to accompany teriyaki chicken.
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Off-dry sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco
If you're serving chicken teriyaki skewers as an hors d'oeuvre at a cocktail reception, an off-dry sparkling wine like Cava or Prosecco is an excellent choice. The sweetness from the sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce is enhanced by the Prosecco, which also adds a light touch of floral notes. Cava and Prosecco are inexpensive options, and the long-stemmed flutes can be a nice way to hold and dispose of the sticky skewers.
The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and the savoury flavours of the chicken are a good match for the light, crisp, and refreshing qualities of these sparkling wines. Cava and Prosecco are typically light-bodied with citrus and green apple flavours, as well as some yeasty or nutty notes. The acidity in these wines will also help to balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
When choosing a Cava to pair with teriyaki chicken, look for one that is dry or off-dry, as the sweetness will complement the sauce. Cavas made with the Macabeo grape tend to have more citrus and green apple flavours, while those made with Xarello grapes tend to have more body and nutty flavours.
Prosecco, on the other hand, is known for its fruity and floral aromas, with hints of apple, pear, and honeysuckle. It often has a lighter body and lower alcohol content than Cava, making it a refreshing choice for a cocktail reception.
Both Cava and Prosecco offer a versatile and affordable option for pairing with teriyaki chicken skewers, providing a pleasant contrast of flavours and a delightful drinking experience for your guests.
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Aromatic white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Riesling is a slightly sweet and aromatic wine that can complement the flavours of teriyaki chicken. It has the right amount of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
Gewürztraminer is a fragrant, full-bodied wine with lychee and rose aromas and a hint of ginger spiciness. This wine pairs well with the ginger and garlic flavours in the teriyaki sauce. Its bold flavours, including apricot, black pepper, cashews, coconut, grapefruit, nutmeg, and pineapple, make it a unique choice to enhance the dining experience.
Torrontés is another aromatic white wine that can be considered. It has sweet flowery smells of rose and flavours of peach, mineral, green apple, mango, and lemon. The acidity of a dry Torrontés can cut through the sticky teriyaki sauce, creating a delightful contrast.
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Sweet red wines like Sherry
When it comes to wine pairings, the general rule is that white meat like chicken pairs well with white wines. However, teriyaki sauce is an exception due to its dark colour and strong, sweet flavour. For this reason, a sweeter red wine is recommended to accompany teriyaki chicken.
In addition to Sherry, other sweet red wines that can be considered include Lambrusco, Schiava, and Beaujolais. Lambrusco, an Italian red wine, is particularly well-suited to teriyaki chicken when in the Amabile or Dolce style, as its sweetness will balance the savoury and salty qualities of the sauce. Schiava, also known as Trollinger in Germany, is another light and graceful red wine that enhances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce with its flavours of roses, strawberry sauce, bubblegum, and cotton candy. Beaujolais, a French red wine, is also recommended for its fruit-forward character, which complements teriyaki and other soy-based sauces.
While red wines are generally suggested for teriyaki chicken, white wines can also be paired successfully. Off-dry white wines such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Torrontés, and Moscato are recommended for their sweetness and aromatic qualities, which complement the garlic, ginger, and brown sugar flavours often found in teriyaki sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Lambrusco, Schiava, and Beaujolais are all good choices, as they are light fruit-forward wines that won't overwhelm the chicken.
Off-dry wines like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Torrontés, and Cava or Prosecco (if served as an appetizer) are good choices. These wines have enough sweetness and acidity to complement the teriyaki sauce without being too overpowering.
Teriyaki sauce is both sweet and savoury, so a wine with a hint of sweetness and good acidity can help balance out the flavours. Lighter wines are generally preferred to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavours of the chicken.
