What Wine Goes With Chicken Parmesan?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Chicken parmesan is really about tomato sauce and melted cheese, so choose a medium-bodied Italian red with good acidity: Chianti (Sangiovese), Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Barbera or Nero d'Avola. If you prefer white, pick a crisp one with body, like Vermentino or an unoaked Chardonnay.
Quick decision
- Classic red-sauce chicken parm→ Chianti or Sangiovese
- Extra cheese, served with spaghetti→ Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
- Spicy marinara→ Barbera or a fruity Nero d'Avola
- Prefer white→ Vermentino or unoaked Chardonnay
Pair the sauce, not the chicken
Breaded chicken is mild; the marinara and mozzarella carry the flavor. That points to the same wines that suit pizza and red-sauce pasta.
Why not a big Cabernet?
Heavy tannin and high alcohol can taste harsh against tomato's acidity. Italian reds are made to be drunk with tomato, cheese and bread.
Common questions
- Is Pinot Noir good with chicken parmesan?
- It's acceptable, but Sangiovese or Barbera usually stand up better to tomato sauce.
Choosing a glass? See the Sangiovese and Italian reds wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.