Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that pairs beautifully with wine. The marsala wine used in the sauce lends a rich, nutty flavor that begs to be complemented by the right wine pairing. But with so many wine options available, it can be tricky to know where to start when choosing a wine for Chicken Marsala.
In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to key questions about picking wines for Chicken Marsala, then dive deeper into descriptions of recommended wine types and optimal pairings throughout the article.
Quick Answers:
What kind of wine is usually used in Chicken Marsala?
Marsala wine – a fortified wine from Sicily.
What are the best wine varietals to pair with Chicken Marsala?
– Marsala (of course!)
– Pinot Grigio
– Chardonnay
– Sauvignon Blanc
– Pinot Noir
– Sangiovese
Should you choose a red or white wine?
Either! Whites pair well with the lemon and mushrooms, reds with the rich chicken and sauce.
What are the optimal characteristics to look for?
– Whites: Crisp, bright acidity; citrus and orchard fruit notes
– Reds: Medium body; red fruit flavors; touch of oakiness
What should you avoid?
Overly oaked wines, sweet wines, highly acidic wines
All About Marsala Wine
Since marsala wine forms the base of the sauce, it makes sense that marsala wine pairs perfectly with Chicken Marsala. The richness of the sauce echoes the nutty, caramel flavors of a good Marsala wine.
Marsala is a fortified wine originally hailing from Sicily. It is made from local white grape varietals like Catarratto, Inzolia, and Grillo. Marsala gets its distinctive flavor from a process of fortification, where a neutral grape spirit is added to the base wine. This raises the alcohol content and gives Marsala its nutty, oxidized character.
Marsala wine comes in several styles:
Oro has a golden color and a sweet flavor profile. The sweetness makes it less suitable for pairing.
Ambra is an amber colored Marsala with a medium sweetness level. It can work with lighter preparations of Chicken Marsala.
Rubino has a ruby color and a dry, acidic taste. The higher acidity allows it to cut through the rich sauce.
Fine is a dry style with a delicate flavor that lets the food shine. This versatile option works well with Chicken Marsala.
Superiore is aged for at least 4 years, developing a complex nuttiness. The dry style has enough richness to match the sauce.
Vergine/Soleras/Riserva are premium Marsalas aged 5+ years. Their intensity can stand up to the dish.
When choosing a Marsala for Chicken Marsala, a Fine, Superiore, Vergine or Riserva style dry Marsala is ideal. The dryness offsets the sauce’s sweetness, while the nutty notes echo the dish’s flavors.
Complementary White Wine Varietals
While you can’t go wrong with Marsala, there are several white wine options that make excellent partners for Chicken Marsala:
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio has lively acidity that cuts through the rich sauce and brightness to complement the lemon accents. Its medium body won’t overpower the chicken. Pinot Grigio brings out the dish’s subtle spices. Avoid oaky styles and instead choose a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio.
Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay can mirror the nutty nuances of the Marsala sauce. The butteriness of a Chardonnay complements the chicken’s richness. Unoaked styles work as well. For best results, select a Chardonnay with bright apple and citrus notes.
Sauvignon Blanc
The zesty acidity of Sauvignon Blanc contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Notes of grapefruit and lemon complement the lemon juice accent. Avoid very grassy styles – instead look for a Sauvignon Blanc with a balance of fruit and herbal tones.
Other Whites
Dry Rieslings, with their vibrant acidity, are another excellent choice. An Italian white like Arneis would also pair nicely. For a fuller-bodied option, try a White Rioja aged in oak for nuttiness.
Red Wine Options
Light to medium bodied red wines can work brilliantly with Chicken Marsala. The marsala and mushroom sauce calls for reds with good acidity and fruitiness. Italian reds naturally pair well.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a perfect match for the rich chicken and earthy mushrooms. The soft tannins and medium body won’t overpower the sauce. Red fruit notes add vibrancy. Choose a Pinot Noir from California or Oregon for fruit-forwardness.
Sangiovese
As the principal grape of Chianti, Sangiovese has a light body and just enough earthiness for the mushrooms. Its cherry flavors match the chicken beautifully. For an authentic Italian pairing, go with a Chianti Classico Riserva.
Other Reds
Lighter style Cabernet Sauvignons have the right balance of red fruits, oak, and gentle tannins to complement the dish. Pinotage’s brambly fruit meshes well. For an off-the-beaten-path pairing, try Barbera, Valpolicella or Chianti.
What to Avoid
To find the perfect wine pairing, there are a few types of wines that are less suitable for Chicken Marsala:
– Super acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Sangiovese can clash with the gentle savoriness of Chicken Marsala.
– Overly tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon can be overpowering.
– Oaky Chardonnays and bold White Rioja will compete too much with the marsala’s nuttiness.
– Sweet wines don’t pair well, as they throw off the balance of flavors. Dessert wines like Port are too heavy.
– Rosés tend to be too delicate for the hearty Chicken Marsala.
– Sparkling wines are also too light and the bubbles fight the richness.
Stick with the recommended dry, fruit-forward styles of wines in the medium body range for a seamless match with Chicken Marsala.
Optimal Wine Characteristics
To summarize the best wine characteristics for Chicken Marsala:
For whites:
– Crisp, vibrant acidity
– Citrus and tree fruit flavors
– Light body and minimal oak influence
– Subtle herb and mineral notes are a plus
For reds:
– Medium body with soft tannins
– Red and black cherry flavors
– Earthiness to match mushrooms
– Little to no oak influence
Wines with these characteristics will complement rather than compete with the complex flavors of Chicken Marsala.
Putting it All Together
Here are some excellent wine pairing options for Chicken Marsala:
Whites
– Fine Marsala -Classic pairing!
– Pinot Grigio – Fresh and lively
– Chardonnay (unoaked) – Buttery richness
– Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty citrus notes
– Arneis – Soft white with nutty almond undertones
Reds
– Marsala Rubino – Dry, acidic version
– Pinot Noir – Light, fruity
– Sangiovese – Earthy cherry tones
– Barbera – Bright red fruits
– Chianti – Herbaceous and savory
You really can’t go wrong with a dry Italian white or red in the medium-bodied range. Complement the marsala sauce with wine that has pleasant fruitiness and brightness. Avoid big, oaky wines that will overshadow the delicate chicken and mushrooms.
With the guidelines above, you can confidently select a wine that will perfectly accentuate the flavors of your Chicken Marsala!
Wine Pairing Recommendations
Here are some specific wine bottles that would make exceptional pairings for Chicken Marsala:
Whites
| Wine | Notes |
| Florio Dry Marsala | Classic fine and dry Sicilian Marsala with almond and caramel notes |
| Antinori Piu Grigio | Lemony, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio from northern Italy |
| Banfi Le Rime Chardonnay | Tuscany Chardonnay with apple brightness and medium body |
| orin Silver Unoaked Chardonnay | Juicy pear and apple flavors with no oak to interfere |
| Matua Sauvignon Blanc | Lively gooseberry and melon New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc |
Reds
| Wine | Notes |
| Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis | Refined Italian blend with cherry, plum, and light tannins |
| Cupcake Oregon Pinot Noir | Raspberry and pomegranate Oregon Pinot with subtle earthiness |
| Bibi Graetz Casamatta Chianti | Sangiovese-based Chianti with fruit, tobacco and herbal aromas |
| Terra d’Alter Barbera d’Alba | Medium-bodied cherry and peppery Barbera from Piedmont |
| Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti | Sophisticated Chianti Riserva with ripe cherry flavors and oak aging |
These wines highlight optimal styles and flattering flavor characteristics to accent Chicken Marsala’s delicious flavors. With a bottle from this list, you’re sure to have a winning pairing.
Pairing Tips
Beyond selecting the perfect wine, there are a few additional tips for successfully pairing wine with your Chicken Marsala:
– Accompany with side dishes that complement both the wine and chicken. Sautéed greens, risotto, or polenta work especially well.
– Opt for a wine with higher acidity if serving with starchier sides to cut through the richness.
– Chill light reds like Pinot Noir slightly to soften the tannins and allow the fruit to shine.
– Pour in smaller 2-3 oz pours to allow you to enjoy both the wine and food individually.
– Take a sip of your wine first, then follow with a bite of chicken to identify the flavors in each.
– Don’t overpower lighter wines choices – an overly oaked, tannic red would clash.
Following these tips will ensure you maximize the enjoyment of both your thoughtfully chosen wine and your Chicken Marsala masterpiece!
An Italian Feast
An all-Italian meal is the perfect way to showcase Chicken Marsala and its fabulous wine pairings:
Appetizer: Bruschetta – Share an antipasto platter of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with marinated tomatoes, Parmesan and basil. Pair with a zingy Pinot Grigio or sangiovese-based rosato.
Main: Chicken Marsala – Savor the nutty marsala sauce against the bright, fruity wine you’ve selected.
Side: Pesto Pasta – Twirl ribbons of pasta coated in fragrant basil pesto. The herbal pesto complements Italian reds.
Side: Salad – Dress colorful lettuces with olive oil, lemon, and shaved Parmesan.
Dessert: Tiramisu – Indulge in the classic layered Italian dessert with mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, partnered with a sweet Marsala wine or Vin Santo.
Your guests will love this flavorful Italian meal centered around the delicious combination of Chicken Marsala and wines that make it shine!
Make It a Menu
Designing a whole menu around your Chicken Marsala? Here’s a line-up with wine pairings for each course:
First Course: Burrata Salad
– Creamy burrata cheese, prosciutto, arugula, pickled onions
– Wine Pairing: Light, fruity rosé
Second Course: Chicken Marsala
– Chicken breasts, mushrooms, marsala pan sauce
– Wine Pairing: Dry marsala, Pinot Grigio, or Chianti
Third Course: Hazelnut Tiramisu
– Ladyfingers soaked in espresso and hazelnut liqueur, mascarpone filling
– Wine Pairing: Sweet Marsala or dessert wine like Vin Santo
With appetizer, main and dessert course wines tailored to complement each dish, this is a meal guaranteed to delight.
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala is a culinary treat that deserves an equally excellent wine pairing. By choosing a wine that echoes the dish’s flavors while offering brightness and acidity to cut through the richness, you can elevate this classic Italian favorite. With dry Italian whites like Pinot Grigio or reds like Chianti at your disposal, you’re sure create a heavenly wine pairing match. Not only will you end up with a great glass of wine, but it will make the flavors of your Chicken Marsala soar to new heights.