Poultry, such as chicken, is more versatile than almost any other meat: Whether grilled, roasted, braised, or dipped in a curry, it complements almost any cooking method and brings mild, delicate flavors . But this very reticence presents us with a small challenge when choosing wine: Which wine really pairs with chicken?
The good news: There are plenty of suitable options. When choosing a wine, it's important to consider the preparation method, the fat content, and the sauce or gravy. A delicate white wine can be overshadowed by a seared chicken, and an overly powerful red wine can steal the spotlight from the delicate meat. The trick is balance.
Which wine to pair with chicken? Your grape variety guide
If you want to enhance chicken dishes, you should serve them with the right wine. You'll find our personal tips below.
The classic: white wine with chicken
Fresh, fruity white wines are probably the most classic wine accompaniment to chicken. The following pair particularly well:
- Chardonnay: A Chardonnay is perfect with grilled chicken, creamy sauces or slightly nutty flavors
- Riesling: Brings a lovely acidity that beautifully balances fattier dishes like roast chicken. It's especially good with sweet dishes like honey-glazed chicken.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Greenish, fresh, lively - great with light chicken dishes with herbs, spring vegetables or lemon notes
- Pinot Grigio : The Pinot Grigio is light, dry and uncomplicated - great with summer dishes with chicken
These wines bring freshness, elegance and structure into play - without overpowering the tender meat.
Can you drink red wine with chicken?
Yes, and how! Red wine and chicken aren't a contradiction, as long as you follow a few basic principles. Important: The red wine should be low in tannins and fruity rather than heavy.
- Pinot Noir: Elegant, berry-flavored, soft - perfect with roast chicken or chicken with mushrooms, bacon, or truffles
- Gamay: Juicy, light, with notes of red berries - an ideal partner for chicken dishes with tomato or peppers
- Zweigelt or Dolcetto: Uncomplicated, fruity, charming - for those who like red wine but don't want a brick in their glass
Important: Serve the red wine slightly chilled (approx. 14°C) - this brings freshness into the glass and allows the aromas to come through better.
Preparation is everything: How to find the right wine for chicken
Not only the chicken itself, but also the surroundings determine the perfect wine accompaniment.
Here is a guide for different dishes:
- Grilled chicken with crust: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or a mature Riesling with melting
- Chicken with cream or cheese sauce: Strong Chardonnay or a creamy Pinot Blanc
- Asian chicken with curry or peanut sauce : Fruity Riesling, Gewürztraminer or a semi-dry white wine
- Lemon or Herb Chicken: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Grilled chicken with BBQ sauce: Pinot Noir or a light Zinfandel
- Oven-baked chicken with Mediterranean vegetables: Rosé wine or a soft red wine with little acidity
Pro tip: If you're looking for something new, try an orange wine or a natural wine - they often bring unusual flavors that pair perfectly with spicy or roasted chicken dishes.
Excursion: Wine & Poultry
Besides chicken, there's so much more to discover in the poultry world! Here, too, the cooking method, the fat content, and the sauce play a key role.
Roast duck or duck with Asian spices?
- Duck is a poultry that brings plenty of flavor, fat, and intensity. It pairs well with a fruity Pinot Noir, a velvety Merlot, or even a powerful Shiraz. A mature Chardonnay with roasted aromas can also be an elegant choice.
Turkey from the oven or as a schnitzel?
- Turkey is rather lean, so it pairs particularly well with fresh white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Silvaner. For breaded versions, you can also opt for a fresh rosé.
Wildfowl such as guinea fowl, pheasant or quail?
- These types of poultry tend to have a stronger flavor. Mature Riesling, Viognier, Pinot Blanc, or an elegant Pinot Noir pair wonderfully with them. Pay attention to the sauce: A dark, full-bodied jus can also occasionally accommodate a structured red wine.
Whether it's a Christmas goose with apple-flavored red cabbage or grilled duck breast – with the right wine selection, any poultry dish becomes a small feast . You can find out more about "Wine & Poultry" in our blog post.
Even more wine & meat?
If the topic of "wine & meat" excites you as much as we do, then you should definitely check out our other blog posts . There you'll find inspiration, pairing ideas, and surprising flavor journeys:
- Wine & Meat - Find out which wine goes best with different types of meat.
- Wine & Steak - Discover the best wine pairings for a perfect steak experience.
- Wine & Pork - Which wine pairs perfectly with pork? Learn more here.
- Wine & Lamb - Find out which wines complement lamb dishes.
- Wine & Game - The best wine recommendations for game dishes at a glance.
- Wine & Fish - Light wines to accompany fine fish – everything you need to know.
- Wine & Sushi - Which wine pairs with sushi? Here's the answer.
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At CorkRebels, you won't find boring, standard wines, but rather real personalities in the glass . Our selection ranges from fresh white wines to characterful reds, summery rosés , sparkling wines , and cleverly curated bundles . Whether you're looking for a Riesling for your Sunday chicken, a Pinot Noir for your duck, or simply a new favorite wine, you'll find it here.
What sets us apart:
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Our philosophy: Wine should be fun. Whether cooking, enjoying, or sharing with friends. We invite you to rediscover wines – without the fake labels, but with plenty of flavor. Cin Cin!
