Chicken Pesto Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Chicken Pesto

Are you a fan of chicken pesto?

This classic Italian dish, made with tender chicken breast and a savory basil pesto sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

But have you ever considered pairing it with the perfect wine?

In this article, we’ll explore the art of chicken pesto wine pairing and discover the best wines to serve with this delicious dish.

From light and crisp whites to full-bodied reds, we’ll help you choose the ideal wine to complement the flavors of your chicken pesto and elevate your dining experience.

So, let’s uncork some bottles and raise a glass to the perfect chicken pesto wine pairing!

5 Reasons To Serve Wine With Your Meal

Serving wine with your meal can enhance the overall dining experience in many ways.

Here are five reasons why you should consider pairing your chicken pesto with the perfect wine:

1. Enhances the flavors of the dish: Wine has the ability to bring out the flavors of your food and elevate your dining experience. When paired correctly, the right wine can complement the dish and make it taste even better. The right wine can also help balance any strong flavors in your meal.
2. Complements the meal: When you choose the right wine to pair with your chicken pesto, it can help bring out the unique flavors of the dish. This can create a harmonious combination that is pleasing to the palate. The right wine can also help to cut through the richness of the pesto sauce, balancing the dish.
3. Aids in digestion: Wine has natural acids that can help with digestion by breaking down the food in your stomach. The tannins found in red wine have been shown to have a positive effect on digestive enzymes.
4. Promotes relaxation and enjoyment: A glass of wine can help you relax and enjoy your meal. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day, and it can also help you savor the flavors of your chicken pesto. Plus, sharing a bottle of wine with friends and loved ones can create a sense of camaraderie and make for a more enjoyable dining experience.
5. Socially acceptable and pleasing: Serving wine with your meal is a socially acceptable practice that has been around for centuries. It adds a touch of sophistication to your meal and can make your guests feel special. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and can help break the ice if you’re dining with new acquaintances.

Our #1 Pick

When it comes to chicken pesto wine pairing, our top pick is the Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine is crisp and refreshing, with a green quality that pairs perfectly with the flavors of basil, garlic, and olive oil found in pesto sauce.

Here are a few reasons why Sauvignon Blanc is our #1 pick:

1. Characteristics of the wine: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and herbaceous notes. It’s typically light-bodied, with flavors of citrus and green apple. Some Sauvignon Blancs may also have a subtle grassy flavor that complements the green flavors in the pesto sauce.
2. How it enhances the flavors of Chicken Pesto: The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc helps to cut through the richness of the pesto sauce, making each bite of chicken even more enjoyable. The herbaceous notes in the wine also complement the fresh basil in the sauce, creating a harmonious pairing.
3. Serving and storing recommendations: Sauvignon Blanc is best served chilled, ideally between 45-50°F (7-10°C). When storing Sauvignon Blanc, it’s important to keep it away from light and heat, as this can cause the wine to age prematurely. The wine is best consumed within a few years of its vintage date.

The 5 Best White Wines To Serve With Chicken Pesto

In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, there are several other white wines that pair well with chicken pesto.

Here are the five best white wines to serve with this dish:

1. Chablis: Chablis is a dry white wine that comes from the Burgundy region of France. It has a crisp acidity and minerality that pairs well with the herbal notes of pesto sauce. Chablis is typically unoaked, giving it a clean, refreshing taste that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of chicken pesto.
2. Albariño: Albariño is a light-bodied white wine from Spain that has a crisp acidity and a citrusy flavor. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the pesto sauce, while the citrus flavors complement the chicken and basil.
3. Grüner Veltliner: Grüner Veltliner is a white wine from Austria that has a unique spicy flavor profile. It’s known for its high acidity, which makes it a great match for the richness of pesto sauce. Grüner Veltliner also has a mineral character that complements the earthiness of the basil in the pesto.
4. Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris is a white wine from France that has a rich, full-bodied texture and a subtle sweetness. It has a low acidity, making it a great match for the bold flavors of chicken pesto. The sweetness of the wine can help balance the saltiness of the dish.
5. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that has a buttery texture and flavors of vanilla and oak. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the richness of the wine can match the creaminess of the pesto sauce. When choosing a Chardonnay for this dish, look for one that is lightly oaked to avoid overpowering the flavors of the chicken and basil.

The 5 Best Red Wines To Serve With Chicken Pesto

While white wine is the traditional pairing for chicken pesto, some red wines can also work well with this dish.

Here are the five best red wines to serve with chicken pesto:

1. Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with chicken pesto because it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the dish. It has a fruity and earthy flavor that can complement the herbal notes of pesto sauce.
2. Barbera: Barbera is a medium-bodied red wine that has high acidity and a fruity flavor profile. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity can cut through the richness of the pesto sauce, while the fruity notes complement the chicken and basil.
3. Chianti: Chianti is a medium-bodied red wine that comes from Tuscany, Italy. It has a high acidity and a flavor profile that includes cherry and tomato. The acidity in the wine can complement the richness of the pesto sauce, while the tomato notes can complement the garlic in the sauce.
4. Sangiovese: Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red wine that has a high acidity and flavors of cherry and tomato. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity in the wine can cut through the richness of the pesto sauce, while the tomato notes can complement the garlic in the sauce.
5. Dolcetto: Dolcetto is a medium-bodied red wine that has a low tannin content and a fruity flavor profile. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the low tannins won’t overpower the flavors of the dish, while the fruity notes can complement the chicken and basil.

When choosing a red wine to pair with chicken pesto, look for wines that are light- to medium-bodied and have high acidity.

These wines can complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering them.

5 Other Wines That Go Well With Chicken Pesto

If you’re looking to explore other white wines that pair well with chicken pesto, here are five more options to consider:

1. Chenin Blanc: A medium-bodied white wine from France that has flavors of green apple and honey. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity in the wine complements the richness of the pesto sauce.
2. Vermentino: A light-bodied white wine from Italy that has a citrusy flavor and a minerality that pairs well with the herbal notes of pesto sauce.
3. Viognier: A medium-bodied white wine that has a floral aroma and flavors of peach and apricot. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the sweetness of the wine can balance the saltiness of the dish.
4. Gavi: A dry white wine from Italy that has a crisp acidity and flavors of green apple and lemon. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the pesto sauce.
5. Riesling: A white wine from Germany that has a high acidity and flavors of green apple and lime. It pairs well with chicken pesto because the acidity in the wine complements the herbal notes of the pesto sauce.

5 Tips For Choosing A Wine For This Meal

When choosing a wine to pair with chicken pesto, keep these tips in mind to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience:

1. Look for a wine with high acidity: A wine with high acidity can help cut through the richness of the pesto sauce and balance the dish.
2. Consider the weight of the wine: Choose a wine that is similar in weight to the dish. For example, a light-bodied wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with lighter dishes like chicken pesto.
3. Think about the flavors in the dish: Consider the flavors in the pesto sauce and choose a wine that complements them. For example, a wine with herbal notes like Chablis can complement the basil in the sauce.
4. Don’t be afraid to experiment: Wine pairing is subjective, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations and see what works best for you.
5. Pay attention to your own preferences: Ultimately, the best wine to pair with chicken pesto is one that you enjoy. If you prefer a certain type of wine, don’t be afraid to try it with the dish and see how it works.

Conclusion

Pairing the right wine with your meal can elevate your dining experience and enhance the flavors of the dish.

When it comes to chicken pesto, white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Gris are excellent choices, as they have a green quality that complements the herbal notes of pesto sauce.

However, some red wines like Pinot Noir, Barbera, Chianti, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto can also pair well with chicken pesto.

When choosing a wine to pair with chicken pesto, consider the acidity, body, and flavor profile of the wine. Look for wines that complement the flavors of the dish and create a harmonious pairing. Remember, the best wine to pair with chicken pesto is one that you enjoy and that complements your personal taste preferences.

Here are the 10 best wines to serve with chicken pesto:

1. Sauvignon Blanc
2. Chablis
3. Albariño
4. Grüner Veltliner
5. Pinot Gris
6. Chardonnay
7. Viognier
8. Vermentino
9. Chenin Blanc
10. Gavi

Additionally, for those who prefer red wine, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Chianti, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto are all excellent options.