Top 3 Italian Wine Pairings for Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmigiana, also known as Chicken Parmesan or more affectionately “Chicken Parm”, is another classic Italian American comfort food loved by many for its crispy breaded chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese.  It was popularized in the 1950’s on the East Coast by Italian immigrants looking to replicate Italy’s Eggplant Parmesan but substituting chicken for eggplant.

Chicken Parm’s combination of flavors and textures calls for a perfect wine pairing that enhances the overall dining experience. In this blog post, we will explore the top three Italian wines that beautifully complement the rich and savory flavors of Chicken Parm, elevating your meal to new heights.

 Wine Pairing 1: Barbera

Barbera is a red wine originating from the Piedmont wine region in Italy. Known for its high acidity and juicy fruit flavors, Barbera balances the richness of the dish while enhancing its savory components. The wine’s lively acidity cuts through the richness of the melted cheese and fried chicken, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite. Barbera’s bright red fruit flavors, including cherry, blackberry, and plum, meld seamlessly with the tomato sauce, enhancing its natural sweetness and adding layers of complexity to the pairing. And because Barbera’s tannins are moderate, they provide structure without overpowering the dish.

 Wine Pairing 2: Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine originating from the Siena province of Tuscany in Italy. It is required by law to be produced 100% from Sangiovese grapes. Typically, Brunellos have high tannins and notes of oregano, balsamic, and cherry.  The tannins in Brunellos will help balance the fat from the cheese and fry, while keeping with the complementary flavors of the tomato.

 Wine Pairing 3: Chianti Classico

Like Brunello above, Chianti Classico, a red wine from the Chianti wine region in Tuscany, Italy, is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, which possess a medium to full body and vibrant acidity. The fruit-forward nature of Chianti Classico, along with its well-balanced tannins, perfectly complements the tomato-based sauce and the richness of the melted cheese in Chicken Parmesan. The wine’s red berry flavors, such as cherry and raspberry, harmonize with the tangy tomato sauce, providing a refreshing contrast. The subtle herbal undertones in Chianti Classico also add depth to the pairing, accentuating the Italian flavors of the dish. Go with the Chianti over the Brunello if you are looking for a lighter version of Sangiovese.

 Conclusion

While the recommended Italian wines pair exceptionally well with Chicken Parm, you can experiment with other wine options too. Wine pairing is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role. Feel free to substitute the recommended wines with alternatives that you enjoy and feel will complement the flavors of Chicken Parm.

That said, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. So next time you indulge in Chicken Parm, don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of one of these Italian wines for a truly memorable meal. Salute!