Roast Chicken is a classic dish that transcends borders – every country has a different way of presenting a good ol’ fashioned roast chicken. There are different flavour combinations that will alter the right wine for you to pair with – so do take care.
Chardonnay & Roast Chicken Pairing
When it comes to pairing wine with roast chicken, a rich Chardonnay with creamy notes of butter, smoke, and vanilla is my go-to choice. The toasty flavors of this wine beautifully complement the crispy, salty chicken skin. Plus, the silky flavors of peach, pear, mango, and apple in the Chardonnay really bring out the subtle flavors of the white meat.
You don’t need a Chardonnay that’s overly oaky either – although this is down to personal choice. A straightforward Chardonnay from a winery you trust will do the trick. Some great options like a Chablis or an Australian style will do the trick as well – and of course the US are producing some beautiful Chardonnay’s at the moment that make a great choice as well.
Chardonnay isn’t just great with roast chicken—it also pairs wonderfully with dishes like chicken pot pie, fettuccine Alfredo, and butter chicken.
Pinot Noir & Roast Chicken Pairing
Pinot Noir is another fantastic option. This light, fruity red wine features velvety flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, with hints of dark chocolate, earth, mushroom, and smoke.
The smoky, earthy flavors of Pinot Noir are a perfect match for the roasted chicken skin, while its fruitiness keeps things fresh and fun with the savory chicken. Good Pinot Noir can be pricey since it’s challenging to make well. If you’re looking for something more cost effective, I’d recommend a Beaujolais Villages instead.
Red Burgundy, which is Pinot Noir from France, is another excellent pairing, especially with a simple roast chicken served with its own juices or with mushrooms. Burgundy offers earthy flavors that add complexity, while its bright red fruit keeps things balanced and doesn’t overpower the chicken.
Viognier & Roast Chicken Pairing
Viognier is a rich and silky white wine with aromatic flavors of apricot, peach, tropical fruit, flowers, citrus, pear, and orange rind. These flavors complement the mild chicken perfectly. The soft, silky texture of Viognier matches the tender texture of the roast chicken, while the bold fruity flavors provide a refreshing contrast—especially if the chicken is a bit dry.
Viognier also has spicy ginger and nutmeg notes that pair well with any seasonings on the roast chicken.
Rosé & Roast Chicken Pairing
Rosé is a great choice for roast chicken, especially for lunch or at a large event like a bridal shower or a spring luncheon. Some men might be hesitant to drink Rosé, thinking it’s too sweet or girly, so it’s good to have another option on hand.
Rosé often looks sweet but is usually quite dry. With crisp flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, Rosé is refreshing when paired with roast chicken. It’s medium-bodied, so it won’t overwhelm the chicken, and its high acidity will enhance the meat’s subtle flavors.
Rosé also has herbal and spicy notes. Depending on where it’s made, you might catch hints of white pepper or mineral, adding even more flavor to your meal.
There are some great starter choices here – but if you were after something a little more straightforward then you can’t go wrong with a Sauvignon Blanc either! Cheers!
