The Best Wines to Pair with Chicken Parmigiana: A Delicious Guide
Chicken Parmigiana can claim it’s origins in the bustling kitchens of Italian-American families on the East Coast, likely inspired by the traditional Southern Italian dish, eggplant parmesan (parmigiana di melanzane). It skyrocketed in popularity during the 1950s, with The New York Times publishing the first official recipe in 1962. Today, this delightful dish has traveled the globe, showing up in various forms: the English top it with béchamel sauce and cheddar, and in the U.S., it stays classic with a generous helping of red sauce and mozzarella, often accompanied by spaghetti and meatballs. In Australia however – it’s become a cult classic – served as pub food with fries and salad – usually accompanied with a pint of beer!
Picking a wine for this dish is going to depend heavily on the style that you’re cooking it with. I’ve focussed on a traditional, tomato based sauce for the parma (I won’t even open the Aussie debate over parma v parmi)
Tips for Pairing Wine with Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a simple yet flavorful dish. When choosing a wine to match, simplicity and timelessness are key. A couple of guiding principles I’ve included below:
- Opt for a fruit-forward wine with good acidity to balance the bold flavors.
- Choose wines with lower tannins to complement the protein without overpowering it.
- Adjust your wine choice if the sauce changes, like the English version with béchamel.
With these pointers in mind, let’s explore four fantastic wine pairings that will elevate your chicken Parmigiana experience.
1. Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico is a standout choice. The difference between a regular Chianti and a Chianti Classico lies in the Sangiovese grape content. Chianti Classico must have at least 80% Sangiovese, ensuring a higher concentration of these grapes for your pairing.
Why Sangiovese? Sangiovese grapes shine with red sauce dishes. Their cherry and plum notes complement the sweet tomato sauce, while their acidity and moderate tannins cut through the rich breading and creamy mozzarella, letting the chicken’s flavors shine. Look for the black rooster (gallo nero) on the bottle’s neck to ensure you’re getting a true Chianti Classico.
2. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including chicken Parmigiana. Loyal readers will also know it’s a personal favourite! This medium to light-bodied wine is fruit-forward, with cherry and raspberry notes that harmonize with the red sauce. Its acidity enlivens the palate, balancing the robust flavors without overwhelming them. Plus, Pinot Noir’s smooth tannins ensure a pleasant, non-drying finish.
3. Barbera
Barbera, though dark in color, offers a light-bodied, fruit-forward flavor profile that’s perfect for chicken Parmigiana. This wine, with its high acidity and bright fruit notes, cuts through the dish’s rich components, enhancing the overall experience. Originating from Italy’s Piedmont region, Barbera is a staple on Italian tables and provides a unique, historical touch to your meal.
4. Sparkling Wine
For a twist, consider pairing chicken Parmigiana with sparkling wine. Variations of the dish without red sauce resemble Italian-American fried chicken, which pairs wonderfully with a dry, crisp, acidic sparkling wine. Prosecco is an excellent choice, with its green apple and honeysuckle flavors that complement the juicy chicken and crisp coating. Even with a lighter red sauce, Prosecco’s toasted breadiness can elevate the dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re enjoying the classic version or a creative twist, the right wine can make your chicken Parmigiana experience unforgettable. With these pairings, you’ll be ready to impress your guests and elevate your meal to new heights. Cheers to delicious food and perfectly paired wines!
