Chicken is a blank slate when it comes to pairing with wine. This meat can be paired with any number of wines depending on the preparation. For example, simple grilled chicken or chicken salads are great with Sauvignon Blanc wines. Chicken with creamy sauces, however, are a perfect match with Chardonnay. Spicy chicken curries and Chinese stir fries go well with aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer while chicken in bold tomato sauce and roast chicken dishes work better with light red wines like pinot noir and lighter merlot.
Southern Sun Baraza’s dish of tender chicken breasts encrusted with Parmesan cheese is grilled on the flat top and served with creamy mustard sauce. Mashed potato and seasonal vegetables are perfect for this generously-sized dish. Denzil pairs this dish with a medium-dry, zesty Australian blend of Semillon and Chardonnay.
The upfront sweetness of the wine stands up to the salty and strong flavour of the Parmesan while the high acidity handles the crispy chicken crust. The bold, fruity notes cut through the rich mustard sauce. This creates a balance between the creamy sauce and the bright wine.
The Wine: De Bortoli Family Selection Semillon Chardonnay 2013, Australia (SCF Rating 3 Stars)
Medium Dry/Medium-bodied white wine which is a blend 70% Semillon and 30% Chardonnay grapes. The wine is fresh and bright. It has up front citrus, stone fruits and tropical notes which are balanced by a hint of oak. A touch of sweetness is balanced by the crisp acidity. (Wine Analysis: Alcohol: 12.5%; pH: 3.3; Total Acid: 6.4G/L)
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