Challenging Wine Pairing: Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken



By LaGayle ~ February 16th, 2010.

While my family and I really enjoy creamy dishes, we try to avoid them on a regular basis for the sake of healthier eating. However, once in a while we do like to treat ourselves to a dish that we probably shouldn’t eat!

Fettuccini Alfredo has always been one of my favorite dishes. For this challenging wine pairing meal, my menu included a green salad with pepperoncini peppers and kalamata olives tossed with an Italian dressing, Fettuccini Alfredo with grilled chicken, and garlic bread. In addition to being a meal that I love, an added bonus is that it is quick and easy to make the Alfredo sauce. [We will be adding a Recipe section to the site soon. Stay tuned for this recipe and many more!]

Once I had the meal planned, it was time to select the wines. Since Fettuccini Alfredo has a white, creamy sauce, I decided to pair it with two white wines, the 2008 Suavia Soave Superiore Classico and the 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Chardonnay. We enjoyed both wines; however, the overwhelming favorite and the unanimous choice of what paired best with the meal, especially with the creamy, Alfredo sauce, was the Soave. The apricot and mineral flavors and smoothness of the Suavia Soave were very good with this rich dish.

Bon Appétit!

2008 Suavia Soave Superiore Classico (Veneto, Italy): Grape: Garganega. Greenish yellow in color and very aromatic. Aromas of apricots, Corona Light beer, hops, tin, minerals, and flowers. More apricots as well as pears come through on the palate. Medium-bodied and lively with a long finish. Well-balanced and smooth.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin Wine Merchants (Seattle, Washington), $17.99; Available elsewhere, $13 to $17

2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, Washington): Greenish yellow in color. Lots of oak and vanilla on the nose. Butter, oak, and a bit of citrus dominate the palate. Medium-bodied and smooth with a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bang for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin Wine Merchants (Seattle, Washington), $31.99; Available elsewhere, $23 to $38


Filed under: American Wine, Challenging Wine Pairing, Chardonnay, Food & Wine, Garganega, Italian Wine, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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