Challenging Wine Pairing: Chicken Milanese Salad



By LaGayle ~ September 19th, 2012.

As we enjoy the last days of summer, we decided to have a challenging wine pairing meal that would include light fare paired with refreshing “summer” wines. I prepared a chicken Milanese salad with a lemon Dijon mustard vinaigrette dressing along with a side of Parmesan seasoned pasta.

Once the menu was set, our attention turned to selecting the best wines to pair with the meal. We decided to try a sparkling rosé and an unoaked Chardonnay. We selected two Washington wines, the NV Mountain Dome Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine and the 2011 Gilbert Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay.

The meal was even better than anticipated and definitely paired well with both wines. While we all thought that both wines were excellent, the nod for the best pairing with the chicken Milanese salad went to the sparkling rosé. We topped off our dinner with tiramisu ice cream and a ladyfinger for dessert.

What would you have paired with this meal? We would love to hear your thoughts. And, as always, we welcome your suggestions for challenging wine pairings for us to try in the future.

Bon Appétit!

NV Mountain Dome Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine (Washington State): 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. Medium pinkish salmon color. Small, fast bead of bubbles. Very aromatic with raspberry and floral notes on the nose. More raspberry and red cherry comes through on the palate. Dry, medium-bodied, and very crisp. Well-balanced with a long, refreshing finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Total Wine & More (Bellevue, Washington), $17.99; Available elsewhere, $18 to $26

2011 Gilbert Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale to medium straw yellow. Nice nose with citrus and wet stone aromas. Lemon peel, lime, wet stone, and mineral notes come through on the palate. Dry and medium-bodied with lively acidity. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Total Wine & More (Bellevue, Washington), $14.99; Available elsewhere, $16 to $18


Filed under: American Wine, Challenging Wine Pairing, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Food & Wine, Rose Wine, Sparkling Wine, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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