Penfolds Dining
Chicken
Roast Chicken with garlic
A classic roast chicken accompanied by a simple gravy enriched with the cooking juices is delicious with white and red wines. Choose gently oaked Chardonnays with a buttery texture from cooler regions, or Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet blends. Chicken roasted with garlic and served with a herby stuffing is flattered by richer Chardonnays. Or try a Shiraz or Shiraz blend.
- Bin 311 Chardonnay
- Koonunga Hill Chardonnay
- Thomas Hyland Chardonnay
- Rawsons Retreat Merlot
- Thomas Hyland Shiraz
Chicken in white wine sauces
Chicken in a white wine sauce is quite mild in flavour. Choose a light, young white wine, such as a Semillon Chardonnay blend. Imbue the sauce with fresh herbs such as sage and a more aromatic Chardonnay works well. Add a dash of cream and a lightly oaked, creamy Chardonnay is the answer.
Chicken in cream sauces
Chardonnay with good acidity is just the ticket. Add onion to the sauce, pop a pastry crust on top, and that chicken pie will be tasty with the same wines, or with a Chardonnay Semillon blend.
Chicken in tomato sauces
With a simple tomato and herb sauce with onions, go for a light Chardonnay or a Chardonnay Semillon blend. If it's enriched with chicken stock, and perhaps bacon for extra gusto, a fruity young Shiraz or Merlot will work well.
- Koonunga Hill Chardonnay
- Rawsons Retreat Semillon Chardonnay
- Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
- Rawsons Retreat Merlot
Smoked
Match the smoky flavour of the chicken with the smoky oak and gentle fruit of a Chardonnay or Chardonnay Semillon blend.
Marinated, barbecued
Big, fruity young Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon blends are delicious with chicken wings that have been simply thrown on the barbecue until their skins are charred and smoky; also with barbecued chicken dipped in a spicy tomato sauce. Oaky Chardonnay or rich Semillon is good with char-grilled chicken marinated in pungent olive oil, white wine, lots of garlic and chilli.
Liver pate
This is rich and fatty, with powerful flavours. Try a full-flavoured Shiraz blend or even a Sangiovese