Chicken & Turkey Wine Pairings

Chicken and turkey on their own are both something of a blank canvas for wine pairing; 

The wine pairing will largely depend on the preparation style and the seasonings used. Whether you're serving roast chicken, fried chicken, or a turkey dinner, here’s how to choose the best wines for these poultry dishes

Wine Pairings for Roasted or Grilled Chicken & Turkey

Roasting or grilling brings out the savory, slightly smoky flavors in chicken and turkey, so you’ll want wines that are medium-bodied with balanced acidity and fruit-forward flavors.

• Viognier (Northern Rhône, California): The rich fruit and floral notes of Viognier complement the grilled or roasted chicken without overwhelming it.
• Chenin Blanc (Loire, South Africa): The fresh acidity and slightly off-dry nature of Chenin Blanc work well with roast turkey or chicken seasoned with herbs and citrus.
• Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Oregon, Sonoma): A light-bodied red that complements roast chicken or turkey, especially if you’re serving it with herbed stuffing or cranberry sauce.
• Cinsault (South Africa, Rhone Valley): It's red berries & a touch of spice can complement the subtle flavors of grilled chicken or roast turkey without overpowering the meat

Pairings for Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is crispy and rich, so you need a wine that has good acidity to cut through the richness and texture of the fried batter. Light white wines and bubbly wines work well here.

• Champagne (France, NV Brut or Extra Brut): The high acidity and refined bubbles of Champagne complement the crispiness of fried chicken and work wonderfully with any spicy or savory sides like jalapeño slaw or crispy fries. The toastiness of Champagne also adds a lovely contrast to the fried batter.
• Cava (Spain): Cava offers a crisp, dry profile with a slightly toasty finish that works perfectly with fried chicken. It’s an excellent choice for dishes like fried chicken sandwiches or fried chicken and waffles.
• Chardonnay (California, Burgundy): A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the richness of fried chicken without overpowering the crispy texture.
• Gamay (Beaujolais, France): Light and fresh, this wine complements crispy fried chicken without being too heavy, making it a great match for fried chicken sandwiches or fried chicken and waffles.
• White Zinfandel (California): Its slightly sweet finish can balance the greasiness and refresh your palate between bites, especially if you’re serving it with a spicy dipping sauce or sweet glaze.