Chicken Tagine Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Chicken Tagines
Quick Answer
The best wine to serve with a spicy chicken tagine is a full-flavored red such as Côtes du Rhône, Syrah, Grenache or Zinfandel. These bold wines can stand up to the strong flavors of the dish and bring out its nuances. Serve slightly chilled for optimal taste.
When it comes to Moroccan cuisine, Chicken Tagine is a dish that stands out for its unique blend of aromatic spices and tender chicken.
And what better way to enhance the flavors of this delectable dish than with the perfect wine pairing?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of chicken tagine wine pairing and explore the best wines to serve with this North African delicacy.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to elevate your dining experience, read on to discover the perfect wine to complement your Chicken Tagine.
5 Reasons To Serve Wine With Your Meal
Wine pairing can greatly enhance your dining experience.
Here are five reasons why:
- Complements the flavors: The right wine can bring out the flavors of the dish and complement its taste. This is especially true with complex dishes like Chicken Tagine, where a well-paired wine can bring out the different layers of flavor.
- Balances the palate: A good wine can help balance the flavors and textures of the meal, making it a more enjoyable experience. This is particularly important with spicier dishes like Chicken Tagine, where the right wine can help soothe the palate.
- Adds sophistication: Serving wine with your meal can add a touch of sophistication to your dining experience, making it more special and memorable.
- Stimulates conversation: Wine is a great conversation starter, and discussing the wine pairing can add a social aspect to the meal. This can be especially enjoyable in a group setting.
- Promotes relaxation: Sipping on a glass of wine can help you relax and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. This can be a great way to unwind after a long day and enjoy the company of friends or family.
Our #1 Pick
When it comes to pairing wine with Chicken Tagine, our top pick is a Moroccan red wine.
Here’s why:
- Complements the spices: Moroccan reds are known for their bold and spicy flavors, which make them the perfect pairing for Chicken Tagine. They complement the dish’s aromatic spices and bring out its rich and complex flavors.
- Balances the sweetness: Chicken Tagine often includes dried fruits like apricots or raisins, which can make the dish slightly sweet. A Moroccan red wine can balance the sweetness and add a touch of acidity to the pairing.
- Enhances the experience: Drinking a Moroccan red wine with Chicken Tagine can transport you to the heart of Morocco, and make you feel like you’re experiencing the flavors and aromas of the country.
- Widely available: Moroccan red wines are becoming more widely available in wine shops and online retailers, making it easier to find the perfect bottle for your Chicken Tagine pairing.
Our top pick for Chicken Tagine wine pairing is the 2017 Domaine de la Zouina Cuvée Red Blend from Morocco. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and has a deep ruby color with notes of black fruit, spices, and a hint of smokiness.
It has a smooth and velvety texture, with a long and complex finish. This wine is the perfect pairing for Chicken Tagine, and will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.
The 5 Best Red Wines To Serve With Chicken Tagine
While a Moroccan red is our top pick for Chicken Tagine wine pairing, there are other red wines that can also complement the dish’s complex flavors.
Here are the top five red wines to serve with Chicken Tagine:
- Lebanese Red: A Lebanese red wine, such as a Château Musar, can pair well with Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with hints of dark fruit, spices, and a touch of smokiness.
- Spanish Red: A young Spanish red, such as a Tempranillo or Garnacha, can also be a great pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a bold and fruity flavor, with a hint of spice and a smooth finish.
- New World Shiraz: A new world Shiraz from Australia or South Africa can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a bold and spicy flavor, with notes of black fruit, pepper, and a touch of oak.
- Rhône Blend: A Rhône blend, such as a Côtes du Rhône, can be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines are medium-bodied with a fruity flavor, and often have hints of spice and a touch of earthiness.
- Italian Red: An Italian red, such as a Chianti or Barbera d’Alba, can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with a fruity and slightly acidic flavor that can balance the sweetness of the dish.
The 5 Best White Wines To Serve With Chicken Tagine
While red wines are typically the go-to choice for pairing with Chicken Tagine, there are some white wines that can also complement the dish’s complex flavors.
Here are the top five white wines to serve with Chicken Tagine:
- Viognier: A full-bodied Viognier can pair well with Chicken Tagine. These wines have a rich and floral flavor, with hints of apricot, peach, and a touch of spice.
- Gewürztraminer: A Gewürztraminer can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with a floral and spicy flavor that can complement the dish’s aromas.
- Pinot Gris: A Pinot Gris can be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with a fruity and slightly spicy flavor that can balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Chenin Blanc: A Chenin Blanc can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with a fruity and floral flavor that can complement the dish’s spices.
- Riesling: A dry Riesling can be a surprising but delightful pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a light and crisp texture, with a fruity and slightly acidic flavor that can balance the dish’s sweetness and spices.
5 Other Wines That Go Well With Chicken Tagine
In addition to the top five red and white wines for Chicken Tagine, there are other wines that can also pair well with this dish.
Here are five other wines that go well with Chicken Tagine:
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry Rosé can be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a light and refreshing texture, with a fruity and slightly floral flavor that can complement the dish’s spices.
- Sparkling Wine: A dry sparkling wine, such as a Brut or Prosecco, can be a surprising but delightful pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a light and crisp texture, with a fruity and slightly acidic flavor that can balance the dish’s sweetness and spices.
- Syrah: In addition to a new world Shiraz, a Syrah from the Northern Rhône can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a bold and spicy flavor, with notes of black fruit, pepper, and a touch of earthiness.
- Grenache: A Grenache-based wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône, can also be a good pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a medium-bodied texture, with a fruity and slightly spicy flavor that can complement the dish’s aromas.
- Zinfandel: A Zinfandel can be a bold and spicy pairing for Chicken Tagine. These wines have a full-bodied texture, with a bold and fruity flavor that can bring out the dish’s complex flavors.
5 Tips For Choosing A Wine For This Meal
Choosing the right wine to pair with Chicken Tagine can seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips, it can be easy and enjoyable.
Here are five tips for choosing a wine for this meal:
- Consider the spiciness of the dish: Chicken Tagine can be a spicy dish, so it’s important to choose a wine that can balance the heat. Look for wines with a lower alcohol content or a touch of sweetness to help soothe the palate.
- Match the wine to the flavor profile: Consider the flavors of the dish when choosing a wine. For example, if the dish includes dried fruits, look for a wine with a fruity and slightly sweet flavor to complement it.
- Choose a wine with good acidity: Wines with good acidity can balance the richness of the dish and refresh the palate. Look for wines with a bright and zesty flavor to complement Chicken Tagine.
- Experiment with different wines: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines to find the perfect pairing for your Chicken Tagine. Try different varietals and styles to see what works best for your taste preferences.
- Consider the occasion: If you’re serving Chicken Tagine for a special occasion, consider choosing a wine that’s a little more upscale or unique. This can add to the overall experience and make the meal feel more special.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pairing the right wine with Chicken Tagine can greatly enhance your dining experience and bring out the complex flavors of this North African dish.
Here are the top wines to pair with Chicken Tagine:
- Moroccan Red (such as the 2017 Domaine de la Zouina Cuvée Red Blend)
- Lebanese Red (such as Château Musar)
- Spanish Red (such as Tempranillo or Garnacha)
- New World Shiraz
- Rhône Blend (such as Côtes du Rhône)
- Italian Red (such as Chianti or Barbera d’Alba)
- Viognier
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Chenin Blanc
When choosing a wine, consider factors such as the spiciness and flavor profile of the dish, as well as the occasion and your own taste preferences. Experimenting with different wines can be a fun and enjoyable experience, and can help you find the perfect pairing for your Chicken Tagine.
In the end, the most important thing is to choose a wine that you enjoy and that complements the flavors of the dish.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.