The Ultimate Wine Pairing Guide for Chicken Parmigiana: 10 Perfect Matches

Are you planning a cozy Italian dinner with chicken parmigiana as the star of the show? Well I’ve got some excellent news for you! Finding the perfect wine to complement this classic dish doesn’t have to be complicated. As a self-proclaimed foodie who’s spent countless hours experimenting with food and wine pairings I’m here to guide you through the wonderful world of chicken parmigiana wine pairings.

Let’s dive right in and answer the burning question what wine goes with chicken parmigiana?

What Wine Goes Best With Chicken Parmigiana?

The best wines to pair with chicken parmigiana are Chianti Classico, Pinot Noir Barbera and Sangiovese. These Italian red wines have wonderful acidity that stands up to the tomato sauce in chicken parmigiana. They also have nice fruitiness that complements the cheese and herbs used in this delicious dish.

You might be thinking, “Wait, shouldn’t I pair white wine with chicken?” While that’s generally true for many chicken dishes, chicken parmigiana is a special case. The tomato sauce and cheese create a rich, bold flavor profile that pairs better with red wines.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Chicken Parmigiana?

Let’s be real, chicken parmigiana is already pretty amazing on its own. So, why bother pairing it with wine? Here’s why:

• Flavor Enhancement: Wine can enhance the flavors of your dish. A well-paired wine complements the tomato sauce, accentuates the herbs, and balances the richness of the cheese.

• It’s Fun!: Pairing wine with food is like playing matchmaker. Finding that perfect match that makes your taste buds dance with joy is a rewarding experience.

• Added Sophistication: Serving wine with chicken parmigiana adds a touch of elegance to your meal. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic dish into a gourmet experience.

Understanding Chicken Parmigiana

Before we dive deeper into wine pairings, let’s understand what chicken parmigiana actually is. This popular Italian-American dish originated in the late 20th century, thanks to Italian immigrants who settled in the United States.

Chicken parmigiana consists of breaded chicken breasts topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese (typically mozzarella and parmesan). It’s often served with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.

The combination of crispy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a bold flavor profile that calls for a wine that can stand up to these flavors without being overwhelmed.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Wine for Chicken Parmigiana

Here are my top tips to help you pick the perfect wine:

1. Consider the sauce: The tomato sauce is a crucial component and significantly affects the wine pairing. A rich, full-bodied red wine will pair well with a tomato-based sauce.

2. Look at the preparation method: If the chicken is fried, it’s best to go with a wine that has high acidity and lower tannins to cut through the fat.

3. Take the cheese into account: A wine with high acidity will pair well with the richness of the cheese.

4. Think about the spices and herbs used: If your dish has a lot of basil or oregano, a red wine with herbal notes would be a great choice.

5. Keep your preferences in mind: Ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one YOU enjoy the most!

The 10 Best Wines to Pair With Chicken Parmigiana

Now, let’s dive into the 10 best wines that pair wonderfully with chicken parmigiana:

1. Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, giving it that distinctive character that pairs so well with tomato-based dishes. It complements the sweet tomato sauce with fruity notes of cherry and plum while cutting through the crisp breading and creamy mozzarella.

Pro tip: Look for the black rooster (gallo nero) on the neck of the bottle to ensure you’re getting a true Chianti Classico.

2. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably one of the most versatile red wines out there. This medium to light-bodied wine is fruit-forward with notes of cherry and raspberry, making it a perfect companion for chicken parmigiana.

The acidity in Pinot Noir cuts through the bold flavors of a hearty red sauce and blends with them, rather than allowing the sauce to overwhelm the wine. The tannins in Pinot Noir are also smoother than in other red wines, ensuring that your palate doesn’t dry out while enjoying your meal.

Recommended bottle: Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020

3. Barbera

Despite its dark color, Barbera has a lighter flavor and palate weight that makes it an excellent choice for chicken parmigiana. This Italian varietal is the third most planted grape in Italy and is nearly a thousand years older than Cabernet Sauvignon!

Barbera wine is characterized by its deep purple color, light-bodied character, and low tannins. It’s often described as “juicy” with notes of cherries and berries. Its high acidity makes it a perfect match for the rich, tomato-based sauce in chicken parmigiana.

Recommended bottle: Prunotto Fiulot Barbera d’Asti 2019

4. Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a dry red wine with medium body and high acidity. The flavor can range from earthy to fruity, with notes of herbs, cherry, plum, and strawberry. Some Sangiovese wines even have a unique tea leaf aroma.

This grape variety is also used in the production of Chianti and Chianti Classico wines, which pair exceptionally well with dishes containing rich red sauces.

Recommended bottle: Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2018

5. Merlot

Merlot is one of the most popular red wines in the world and is the most commonly grown grape variety in France. With medium acidity and medium tannins, it pairs well with chicken parmigiana thanks to its fruit-forward flavor profile.

Merlot is rich in dark fruit flavors, such as cherry and plum. It also has notes of vanilla, tobacco, cedar, and licorice. Italian Merlot wines tend to have herbal notes too, which complement the herbs in chicken parmigiana beautifully.

Recommended bottle: Decoy Merlot 2019

6. Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a dark red Italian grape variety used to make wine of the same name. While it has high tannins, it pairs well with chicken parmigiana due to its high acidity and strong aroma.

This medium-bodied wine has unique flavor notes like oregano, tobacco, and cocoa, along with fruity notes of cherry, plum, cranberry, and raspberry. Its bold flavor makes it a great match for savory dishes like chicken parmigiana.

Recommended bottle: Zaccagnini Il Vino Dal Tralcetto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2019

7. Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a red Italian wine that’s light-bodied with low acidity and moderate tannins. It has a lovely fruity character with notes of black cherry, prune, and licorice, which complements the tomato sauce in chicken parmigiana.

8. Primitivo

Primitivo is genetically identical to Zinfandel but grown in Italy. It’s a bold, full-bodied wine with higher alcohol content and jammy fruit flavors. The fruit-forward profile of Primitivo makes it a good match for the rich flavors of chicken parmigiana.

9. Sparkling White Wine

If you prefer white wine or are serving a lighter version of chicken parmigiana (perhaps baked instead of fried, or with less sauce), a sparkling white wine like Prosecco can be a refreshing choice. Its light-bodied and floral nature, along with its refreshing crispiness, pairs nicely with chicken parmigiana.

Recommended bottle: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore

10. Chardonnay

If you’re a die-hard white wine fan, don’t worry! A medium to full-bodied Chardonnay can work with chicken parmigiana. This moderately acidic white wine tastes crisp and rich with hints of citrus fruits, vanilla, and apple. The smoky and oaky notes characteristic of many Chardonnays can complement the richness of the dish.

Recommended bottle: MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2019

Other Beverage Pairings to Consider

Not everyone loves wine, and that’s totally okay! There are plenty of other beverage pairings that can enhance your chicken parmigiana experience:

• Beer: A light lager or pilsner can complement the lightness of the dish, while a darker beer like a porter or stout can pair well with the richness of the cheese.

• Cocktails: A classic Negroni with its bitter and herbal notes can complement the dish, or a refreshing Gin and Tonic with a squeeze of lemon can cut through the richness of the cheese.

• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A sparkling water with a slice of lemon can add some fizz and acidity to the dish, while a sweet iced tea can complement the richness of the cheese.

• Cider: A dry cider can complement the lightness of the dish, while a sweet cider can balance the richness of the cheese.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

To get the most out of your wine pairing, pay attention to serving temperature and glassware:

• Red wines are generally served at room temperature (around 60-65°F).
• White wines are served chilled (around 45-50°F).
• Sparkling wines should be well-chilled (around 40-45°F).

As for glassware, red wines are best served in glasses with larger bowls to allow the wine to breathe and open up its flavors. White and sparkling wines are best served in glasses with smaller bowls to preserve their coolness and bubbles.

Final Thoughts

Pairing wine with chicken parmigiana doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember, the best pairing is the one that YOU enjoy the most! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different wines to find your perfect match.

Here’s a recap of the 10 best wines to pair with chicken parmigiana:

1. Chianti Classico
2. Pinot Noir
3. Barbera
4. Sangiovese
5. Merlot
6. Montepulciano
7. Dolcetto
8. Primitivo
9. Sparkling White Wine
10. Chardonnay

So, next time you’re serving up some delicious chicken parmigiana, grab a bottle of one of these wines and enjoy the perfect pairing. Cheers to good food, good wine, and good company!

The best wines for chicken parm are Italian reds with bright acidity, such as Chianti Classico or Barbera, which cut through the richness of the sauce and cheese. Pinot Noir and Merlot are also excellent choices, offering fruity notes and a medium body to complement the dish.