Veal Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion. But what wine should you pair it with?
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with Veal Marsala and why they work so well together.
From light and earthy reds to crisp whites, we’ll cover all the bases so you can impress your guests with the perfect wine pairing.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass, and let’s dive in!
What Wine With Veal Marsala?
When it comes to pairing wine with Veal Marsala, there are a few things to consider. The dish is made with a rich mushroom and Marsala wine-based sauce, which means you’ll want a wine that can complement those flavors without overpowering them.
For red wine lovers, light and earthy options like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais Villages, Dolcetto, and Chianti are great choices. These wines have red berry and cherry notes that pair well with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms in the sauce.
If you prefer white wine, a toasty Chardonnay with nutty and vanilla flavors is an excellent option. The richness of the Chardonnay complements the richness of the sauce, while the nuttiness and vanilla notes add depth to the dish.
For those who prefer a lighter white wine, Pinot Grigio is a great choice. Its crispness and lemon flavors complement the lemon-caper sauce often used in Veal Scallopini Piccata.
The Flavor Profile Of Veal Marsala
Veal Marsala has a rich and complex flavor profile that is enhanced by the ingredients used in the dish. The tender veal cutlets are served in a rich and flavorful sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and fresh parsley. The sauce has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor from the Marsala wine, which is balanced by the earthy and umami flavors of the mushrooms.
The veal itself is mild in flavor and has a tender texture that soaks up the flavors of the sauce. The dish also often includes onions, shallots, and garlic, which add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
When it comes to seasoning, traditional veal dishes often include herbs like basil, chives, sage, and thyme. However, Veal Marsala has a more nuanced flavor profile that can take on a variety of different seasoning combinations. For example, breaded cutlets can be served with buffalo and blue cheese for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Red Wines To Pair With Veal Marsala
When it comes to red wines, there are a few options that pair particularly well with Veal Marsala. One such option is Pinot Noir, a light-bodied wine with notes of red berry, cherry, cinnamon, and cola. These flavors complement the earthy flavor of the mushrooms in the sauce, making Pinot Noir a great choice for this dish.
Another option is Beaujolais Villages, a French wine made from the Gamay grape. This wine has a light and fruity flavor profile with notes of raspberry and black cherry. Its light body and low tannins make it a great pairing for Veal Marsala, as it won’t overpower the flavors of the dish.
Dolcetto is another red wine that pairs well with Veal Marsala. This Italian wine has a medium body and flavors of black cherry, plum, and licorice. Its acidity helps to cut through the richness of the sauce, while its tannins complement the meaty flavor of the veal.
Finally, Chianti is a classic Italian wine that pairs well with many Italian dishes, including Veal Marsala. This medium-bodied wine has flavors of cherry, plum, and leather. Its acidity helps to balance out the richness of the sauce, while its tannins complement the meaty flavor of the veal.
White Wines To Pair With Veal Marsala
When it comes to white wines, there are a few options that pair well with Veal Marsala. One of the best choices is Nerello Mascalese, which is Sicily’s second most popular grape and the perfect pairing for this dish. Grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese wines have a rustic, earthy element that complements the herbs and mushrooms in Veal Marsala.
Another great option is a medium-bodied Chardonnay, which can bring out the nutty and vanilla flavors in the dish. A lightly oaked Chardonnay can also add a touch of richness to the sauce.
Pinot Gris is another white wine that can pair well with Veal Marsala. Its light body and crisp acidity can balance out the richness of the sauce, while its citrus and apple notes can complement the dish’s flavors.
Finally, a Sauvignon Blanc can also be a good option for those who prefer a lighter white wine. Its herbaceous and citrus notes can enhance the earthiness of the mushrooms in the sauce, while its acidity can cut through the richness of the dish.
Sparkling Wines To Pair With Veal Marsala
If you’re looking to add some bubbles to your Veal Marsala pairing, sparkling wines can be an excellent choice. The effervescence of the wine can help cut through the richness of the sauce, while the acidity can complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.
One option to consider is Prosecco, a sparkling wine from Italy that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its light and fruity flavors, with notes of green apple and pear, make it a great match for Veal Marsala. The bubbles add a refreshing element to the dish, while the fruitiness complements the flavors in the sauce.
Another option is Champagne, a classic sparkling wine from France. Its crisp acidity and complex flavors can bring out the best in Veal Marsala. Look for a Brut or Extra Brut style, which will have less residual sugar and a drier taste that pairs well with savory dishes like Veal Marsala.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a Lambrusco. This sparkling red wine from Italy has a slightly sweet taste that can balance out the saltiness of the sauce. Its effervescence can also help cut through the richness of the dish.
Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wine Pairing For Veal Marsala.
When selecting a wine to pair with Veal Marsala, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the sweetness of the Marsala wine used in the sauce. Sweeter wines like Pinot Noir and Chianti will pair well with the sweetness of the sauce, while fuller-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can stand up to the richness of the dish.
Another factor to consider is the earthy flavor of the mushrooms in the sauce. Wines with rustic and earthy elements like Nerello Mascalese, grown in volcanic soils, can complement these flavors nicely.
For those who prefer white wine, look for full-bodied options like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Viognier with fruity flavors like citrus, apple, and pear. These wines can balance out the richness of the sauce without overpowering it.
Lastly, it’s important to take into account personal taste preferences. If you prefer lighter wines, go for options like Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer bolder wines, try Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Ultimately, the perfect wine pairing for Veal Marsala will depend on your individual taste and preferences.
