master-cooks | The Absolute Best Type Of Wine To Drink With Chicken Marsala

When it comes to pairing wine with chicken marsala, a dish known for its rich and savory flavors, the absolute best choice is a medium-bodied white wine or a light to medium-bodied red wine. A classic option is Chardonnay, particularly those that are lightly oaked, as they offer a perfect balance of fruitiness and subtle creaminess that complements the earthiness of the marsala sauce. The wine's acidity helps to cut through the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. Alternatively, a Pinot Noir can also be an excellent pairing. Its light to medium body and soft tannins harmonize well with the savory and slightly sweet elements of chicken marsala. The fruity notes of cherries and berries in Pinot Noir provide a delightful contrast to the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the sweetness of the marsala wine used in the dish. For those who prefer a white wine, a dry Marsala wine itself can be a unique and harmonious choice, echoing the flavors used in the cooking process. Each of these options brings its own qualities to the table, ensuring a complementary and enjoyable pairing with chicken marsala.

Acid cuts fat

A dish such as chicken marsala, which features rich, creamy elements, requires acidity to balance its richness. A wine with high acidity, like Riesling or Chablis, will complement this dish wonderfully. The acidity will refresh the palate and enhance the flavors of each bite. White wines are particularly well-suited for the subtle flavors present, especially the chicken. Heavier to medium-bodied white wines will pair best with the rich sauce, while lighter-bodied whites may be overshadowed by the dish's flavors and textures.

Red wines can also be a great match for chicken marsala. Opt for a lighter-bodied red, such as Pinot Noir, which offers earthy fruit notes that will enhance the umami of the mushrooms. The wine's fruitiness will also accentuate the sweetness of the marsala sauce. Additionally, you can follow the classic pairing rule of choosing a wine from the same region; in this case, an Italian Sangiovese would be ideal. This light-bodied red features flavors of cherries, balsamic vinegar, roasted tomatoes, and herbs—sounds like a perfect match for chicken marsala, doesn’t it?

When in doubt, go for bubbles

Don’t limit your sparkling wines to just being aperitifs; they can beautifully complement main courses as well. Sparkling whites, such as champagne and cava, boast high acidity and rich notes of butter, brioche, and biscuit, alongside fresh apple and pear flavors. This vibrant freshness contrasts wonderfully with a rich chicken marsala. Moreover, the bubbles serve as palate cleansers, refreshing your taste buds with every bite, particularly when enjoyed with pan-fried chicken. Sparkling rosés and lighter lambruscos also pair nicely, introducing red fruit and herbal nuances to the dish. Just remember to serve sparkling wine in the appropriate glass and ensure it’s well-chilled.

So, when planning a romantic dinner featuring chicken marsala, consider selecting an elegant heavy to medium-bodied white wine with high acidity, a lighter-bodied red, or a special sparkling wine to accompany it. That’s the beauty of this unassuming dish — it’s difficult to go wrong. The same goes for the wine pairings; there are very few wines that won’t complement delicious chicken in a creamy sauce.

The Absolute Best Type Of Wine To Drink With Chicken Marsala

Acid cuts fat

When in doubt, go for bubbles

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