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What Wine Goes With Eggplant Parmesan? (10 Best Wines)

Well, well, well, my wine-loving friends, it’s time to tackle the age-old question: what wine goes with eggplant parmesan?

Whether you’re a true connoisseur or a casual sipper, finding the perfect wine to complement your favorite dish can be a real head-scratcher.

But don’t you fret, because I’m here to save the day with a few tips and tricks to help you find the perfect pairing.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to uncork some serious knowledge as we dive into the wonderful world of wine and eggplant parmesan.

Let’s get this party started!

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

The best wines to pair with eggplant parmesan are light-bodied white wines, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. For a red option, go for lighter styles such as Beaujolais or Valpolicella. Rosé also pairs nicely with this dish.

Eggplant Parmesan

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Eggplant Parmesan?

  • Wine has a unique ability to enhance the flavors of food, and eggplant parmesan is no exception. The right wine can bring out the dish’s rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory eggplant in ways that’ll have you swooning with delight.
  • Pairing a wine with eggplant parmesan adds a layer of complexity to the dish’s flavor profile. The tannins in red wines, for example, can balance out the dish’s acidity, while the sweetness in a white wine can complement the creamy cheese and mellow out the tomato sauce.
  • Serving wine with your eggplant parmesan can transform an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable experience. Imagine savoring each bite of your favorite dish while sipping on a perfectly paired wine that elevates the flavors to new heights – it’s like a party in your mouth!
  • Wine adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any meal, and eggplant parmesan is no exception. Breaking out your fancy wine glasses and serving a well-paired wine with your meal is a surefire way to impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience.
  • Finally, serving a wine with eggplant parmesan is simply fun! Experimenting with different wines and finding the perfect pairing is a delightful way to discover new flavors and expand your culinary horizons. So why not spice things up and see what delicious wine and eggplant parmesan pairings you can come up with?

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Eggplant Parmesan

  1. The Sauce Boss: Consider the type of sauce used in the dish. Red sauces pair well with red wines, while white sauces are better suited for white wines.
  2. The Cooking Method Matcher: Think about the cooking method used for the eggplant parmesan. If it’s baked or roasted, a full-bodied wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon will do the trick. For a dish that’s fried, a light-bodied wine like a Pinot Noir or Chianti is a better match.
  3. The Flavor Finder: Consider the flavors in the dish, such as the acidity, sweetness, and spiciness, and pick a wine that complements them. For example, a wine with high acidity, like a Sangiovese, can cut through the dish’s rich flavors, while a wine with low tannins, like a Pinot Grigio, can balance out the dish’s spice.
  4. The Acidity Adjuster: When it comes to wine and food pairings, acidity is key. A wine with high acidity can help refresh your palate and make the flavors of the dish pop. For eggplant parmesan, try pairing it with a wine like a Chianti, which has a high acidity level that can cut through the dish’s richness.
  5. The Personal Preference Pro: At the end of the day, the most important factor in choosing a wine to pair with eggplant parmesan is your personal preference. If you prefer red wines over white wines, go for a red. If you like dry wines over sweet ones, pick a dry wine. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine and food pairings – it’s all about what tastes good to you!

What Wine Goes With Eggplant Parmesan? The 10 Best Wines

wines
  1. Chianti: This Italian red wine has a high acidity level that pairs well with the dish’s rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese. Plus, its medium-bodied flavor won’t overpower the dish’s delicate eggplant.
  2. Merlot: Another red wine option, Merlot has a smooth and velvety texture that complements the dish’s cheesy goodness. Its fruity notes also help to balance out the acidity in the tomato sauce.
  3. Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with low tannins, Pinot Noir is a great match for fried eggplant parmesan. Its delicate flavors won’t overpower the dish’s subtle spices.
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon: If you’re looking for a bold and full-bodied wine to complement your eggplant parmesan, look no further than Cabernet Sauvignon. Its high tannin content can stand up to the dish’s rich flavors.
  5. Sangiovese: This Italian red wine has a high acidity level and a fruity flavor that complements the dish’s savory tomato sauce. Its mild tannins won’t overpower the dish’s delicate eggplant.
  6. Syrah/Shiraz: This full-bodied red wine has a bold and spicy flavor that can stand up to the dish’s rich cheese and tomato sauce. Its fruity notes also help to balance out the dish’s acidity.
  7. Zinfandel: With its bold and spicy flavors, Zinfandel is a great match for eggplant parmesan. Its high alcohol content can also help to cut through the dish’s richness.
  8. Pinot Grigio: If you’re in the mood for a white wine, try pairing your eggplant parmesan with a crisp and light Pinot Grigio. Its low tannins and high acidity make it a perfect match for the dish’s tomato sauce.
  9. Sauvignon Blanc: Another white wine option, Sauvignon Blanc has a high acidity level that can cut through the dish’s rich cheese and tomato sauce. Its fruity notes also complement the dish’s subtle spices.
  10. Vermentino: This Italian white wine has a crisp and refreshing flavor that can balance out the dish’s acidity. Its subtle flavors won’t overpower the dish’s delicate eggplant.

Other Beverage Pairings to Consider

  • Beer: Yes, you heard it right, beer! If you’re not in the mood for wine, try pairing your eggplant parmesan with a crisp and refreshing lager or pilsner. The carbonation in the beer can help to cut through the dish’s richness, while its hoppy notes can complement the dish’s subtle spices.
  • Sparkling water: For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing your eggplant parmesan with sparkling water. Its bubbly texture can refresh your palate between bites and cleanse your palate for the next course.
  • Iced tea: Another non-alcoholic option, iced tea can complement the dish’s subtle spices and refresh your palate between bites. Try a lightly sweetened black tea or a fruity herbal tea for a refreshing and delicious pairing.
  • Lemonade: If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy pairing, try pairing your eggplant parmesan with a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Its tart flavor can balance out the dish’s richness and complement the savory tomato sauce.
  • Bloody Mary: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing your eggplant parmesan with a spicy Bloody Mary. The drink’s savory flavors can complement the dish’s cheese and tomato sauce, while its spicy kick can add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

  • Red wines: For full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, serve them at room temperature (around 65-68°F). This temperature allows the wine’s complex flavors to shine and complements the dish’s rich flavors. Serve them in large, wide-bowled glasses that allow the wine to breathe and develop its full flavor profile.
  • Light-bodied red wines: For light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, serve them slightly chilled (around 55-60°F). This temperature helps to balance out the wine’s acidity and complements the dish’s subtle spices. Serve them in glasses with a narrower bowl that concentrates the wine’s aromas.
  • White wines: For white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, serve them chilled (around 45-50°F). This temperature allows the wine’s crisp and refreshing flavors to shine and complements the dish’s acidic tomato sauce. Serve them in glasses with a narrow bowl that concentrates the wine’s aromas and preserves its temperature.
  • Sparkling wines: For sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne, serve them chilled (around 45-50°F). This temperature allows the wine’s bubbles to dance on your tongue and complements the dish’s rich and cheesy flavors. Serve them in flutes or tulip-shaped glasses that preserve the wine’s effervescence.

Conclusion

Well, my dear wine and food-loving friends, we’ve come to the end of our culinary journey. We’ve learned about the benefits of pairing wine with eggplant parmesan, the top 10 wines to consider, and some other beverage pairings to try. We’ve even talked about serving temperature and glassware, because let’s be honest, the right glass can make any wine taste better.

So, whether you prefer a bold and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a light and crisp Pinot Grigio, there’s a perfect wine out there to complement your eggplant parmesan. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try pairing your dish with a refreshing beer or a spicy Bloody Mary? The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.

So, without further ado, here are the top 10 best wines to pair with eggplant parmesan:

  1. Chianti
  2. Merlot
  3. Pinot Noir
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Sangiovese
  6. Syrah/Shiraz
  7. Zinfandel
  8. Pinot Grigio
  9. Sauvignon Blanc
  10. Vermentino

Try them all and find your perfect match! And as always, remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your meal. Cheers to delicious food and great wine pairings!

Eggplant Parmesan

10 Best Wines To Serve With Eggplant Parmesan

When you know what wine goes with eggplant parmesan, it can really elevate the dish. To help you pick the perfect pairing, I'm sharing 10 of the best wines to serve with eggplant parmesan. From bold reds to crisp whites, these wines will bring out the flavors in this classic Italian dish and make it even more enjoyable.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Wine
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 411 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Chianti
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Sangiovese
  • Syrah/Shiraz
  • Zinfandel
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Vermentino

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite wine from this article.
  • Pour a glass (or two) of your favorite wine with your eggplant parmesan dish.
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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.