Question of the day– What wine goes with eggplant? First and foremost, it’s important to consider the preparation of the eggplant. If it’s been roasted or grilled, for example, you may want to opt for a bolder, more full-bodied wine to stand up to the smoky flavors. On the other hand, if the eggplant has been sautéed or served in a lighter dish, you may want to go with a lighter, more acidic wine to complement the flavors.
Best White Wines to Pair with Eggplant
You’ll want to look for a wine that has enough body and flavor to complement the earthy, slightly sweet taste of the eggplant. Here are a few white wines that can work well with eggplant dishes:
- Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can stand up to the rich flavors of eggplant. Look for a Chardonnay that has been aged in oak barrels, as this can impart a toasty, nutty flavor that can complement the eggplant.
- Viognier is a medium-bodied white wine that has a floral aroma and flavors of stone fruit. It can work well with eggplant dishes that have a slightly sweet flavor.
- Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine that has crisp acidity and flavors of citrus and green apple. It can be a refreshing pairing for eggplant dishes that are lighter in flavor.
- Sauvignon Blanc is a light to medium-bodied white wine that has a bright acidity and flavors of green apple, grapefruit, and herbs. It can be a good pairing for eggplant dishes that have a tangy or slightly acidic flavor.
Best Red Wines to Pair with Eggplant
You’ll want to look for a wine that has enough body and flavor to complement the earthy, slightly sweet taste of the eggplant. Here are a few red wines that can work well with eggplant dishes:
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that has flavors of black currant, blackberry, and oak. It can pair well with eggplant dishes that have a rich, savory flavor.
- Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that has flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate. It can work well with eggplant dishes that have a slightly sweet flavor.
- Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine that has flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice. It can be a good pairing for eggplant dishes that have a slightly spicy flavor.
- Syrah / Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that has flavors of blackberry, pepper, and smoke. It can be a good pairing for eggplant dishes that have a bold, smoky flavor.
Pairing with other Eggplant Dishes
Fried Eggplant— With regards to fried eggplant dishes, we recommend pairing them with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Sangiovese. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can also work well in complementing the dish.
Grilled Eggplant— Grilled eggplant dishes are best paired with medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot or Chianti. A dry Rosé or a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay can also be a great choice.
Eggplant Salad— For eggplant salads, we suggest pairing them with a light, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A dry Rosé can also work well in complementing the dish.
Eggplant with Cheese— With regards to Eggplant with Cheese dishes, a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can be a great choice. A dry Rosé or a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay can also work well in complementing the dish.
Eggplant with Herbs and Spices— Eggplant dishes with herbs and spices are best paired with medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot or Chianti. A dry Rosé or a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay can also be a great choice.
So, Which One?
While red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be a great match for eggplant-based dishes, white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc can also be excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What red wine pairs well with eggplant dishes?
Red wines with medium to full body, moderate tannins, and a good acidity level work well with eggplant dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chianti are all good options. The tannins in the wine help balance the richness of the eggplant, while the acidity cuts through the oil and tomato-based sauces.
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What type of wine should I serve with eggplant rollatini?
According to Delipair, the best 3 wines to pair with eggplant rollatini are:
White: Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
White: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Australian Shiraz -
What wine goes well with eggplant caponata?
Eggplant caponata is a sweet and sour Sicilian dish that pairs well with dry white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines complements the tanginess of the caponata, while the lightness of the wine balances the richness of the dish.
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What white wine complements eggplant dishes?
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay can all complement eggplant dishes. These wines have a good acidity level that can cut through the richness of the dish.
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Which Italian wine is best with eggplant parmesan?
Chianti is a classic Italian wine that pairs well with eggplant parmesan. Its medium body, good tannin structure, and acidity make it a perfect match for the dish. Other Italian red wines like Barbera and Sangiovese can also work well.