Picture this: succulent chicken, tender mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce that sings with depth and flavor – the magic of Chicken Marsala, a classic dish that’s a favorite for a good reason.
The secret ingredient? The right Marsala wine.
The best Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala enhances the depth of flavor, balances the sweetness, and pays homage to the Italian heritage of the dish.
After experimenting with various Marsala wines, I found the perfect match that amplified the dish’s flavors, offering an exquisite balance that left us craving more.
Top 12 Marsala Wines For Chicken Marsala
1. Florio Sweet Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $14.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Nose: Caramelized brown sugar, raisins, dried fruits, nutty almonds, hints of vanilla, and warm toffee
Palate: Baked raisins, delicate vanilla beans, roasted nuts, honey, and chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Florio Sweet Marsala is a game-changer for Chicken Marsala.
Florio Marsala has transformed my Chicken Marsala into a masterpiece, capturing the essence of an Italian-American dish [1] with a modern twist.
“I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” -W. C. Fields, American Actor
The dessert wine has a symphony of flavors that elevate the chicken dish. It has nutty undertones and the right sweetness levels that most home cooks like me prefer. But what’s the best red wine for cooking?
2. Opici Vineyards Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $7.69 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 19% ABV
Nose: Dried fruits, hints of vanilla, and caramel
Palate: Rich caramel, vanilla, and honey
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Opici Vineyards Marsala has become my not-so-secret ingredient, enhancing my Chicken Marsala recipe with culinary magic and Italy’s heartwarming traditions.
The gentle sweetness and the nutty undertones of the Marsala wine [2] lent our savory dish a newfound depth and warmth that resonates with authentic Italian flavors.
3. Gambarelli & Davitto Private Stock California Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $6.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Nose: Ripe raisins, vanilla, and honeyed sweetness
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, honey, and dried fruit notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: With G&D California Marsala, our Marsala recipe reached new heights, capturing the essence of Italian comfort and making this dish a timeless favorite.
We knew we were onto something special as the aromas danced with the Marsala sauce. The caramel notes, toasted almonds, and creamy texture of the rich Marsala wine sauce. But what’s good to mix with red wine?
4. Santini Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Sweet raisins, gentle nuttiness, vanilla, and caramel
Palate: Rich caramel, nutty almonds, vanilla, and delicate sweetness
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The dry Marsala wine is a versatile wine that helped me achieve an elevated version of the traditional Chicken Marsala dish- a culinary masterpiece from Italy.
The sweet raisins and gentle nuttiness effortlessly blended with the sauce, weaving a tapestry of flavors that elevated the dish.
5. Florio Dry Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $15.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Nose: Dried fruits, toasted almonds, subtle hints of fresh herbs, and a touch of earthiness
Palate: Rich caramel, toasted almonds, dried fruits, herbal, earth, and oak.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As Florio Dry Marsala gracefully mingled with the sauce, we found that the dried fruits and toasted almonds brought a delightful dimension to the dish.
Moreover, unlike sweet Marsala wines, Florio’s herbal notes and earthy hints captivate complexity that resonates beautifully. But what’s the best wine for charcuterie?
6. Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine Blend
Average Price: Roughly $3.66 (Walmart)
Alcohol Content: 8% ABV
Nose: Ripe raisins, dried apricots, toasted oak, and a touch of earthiness
Palate: Sweet caramel, roasted almonds, dried apricots, vanilla, and oak
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine Blend is an affordable wine that has transformed my mother’s Chicken Marsala recipe.
As the Marsala wine merged with the right recipe, the ripe raisins and dried apricots added a unique layer of sweetness and fruitiness.
The caramel and roasted almond notes of the cooking wine beautifully complemented the chicken breasts and mushrooms, offering a balanced and flavorful experience.
7. Kedem Gourmet Marsala Cooking Wine
Average Price: Roughly $7.99 (Amazon)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Dried figs and raisins, warm spices, and vanilla
Palate: Caramel, toasted walnuts, dried figs, and vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As the Kedem Gourmet Marsala Cooking Wine gracefully combined with the sauce, I noticed that the dried figs and raisins lent a remarkable depth of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
The cooking wine’s caramel richness and toasted walnut undertones perfectly complemented the pan-fried chicken and mushrooms, crafting a symphony of flavors.
8. Colombo Marsala Sweet
Average Price: Roughly $11.49 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Nose: Ripe dark fruits, plums, raisins, vanilla, and honey
Palate: Richness of caramel, dark fruit flavors, plums, raisins, and vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As the cooking wine mingled with the sauce, I discovered that Colombo Marsala boasts notes that elevates the dish’s sweetness and complexity.
The caramel and fruity undertones of the sweet Marsala wine give a rich taste, crafting a symphony of flavors that truly delighted the palate.
9. Melillo Dry Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Dried fruits, toasted nuts, oak, and earthiness produce an aromatic profile
Palate: Savory caramel, toasted nuts, dried fruits, oak, and earthiness
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: What truly sets Melillo Dry Marsala apart is its delicate infusion of oak and earthy nuances, which provide a captivating backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
As the Marsala wine gracefully combines with the Chicken Marsala, the dried fruit and toasted nut characteristics bring an unmistakable depth to the dish.
10. Melillo Sweet Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Ripe dark fruits, plums, raisins, vanilla, and a touch of honey
Palate: Caramel, dark fruit flavors, plums, raisins, and vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As the cooking wine becomes one with the Marsala, we’ve found that the ripe figs and raisins bring a delightful depth to the dish.
What truly stands out is Melillo Sweet Marsala’s ability to infuse the dish with its natural sweetness. Also, it is easy to find in a wine shop, unlike other wines.
The luscious flavors and undertones of the sweet wine effortlessly complement the ingredients.
11. Mineo Marsala Dry
Average Price: Roughly $11.75 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Nose: Stone fruits, nutty toffee, floral notes, and white grapes
Palate: Sweet dried fruits and nuts
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Our culinary exploration led us to the charm of Mineo Marsala Dry, an exceptional addition that adds a distinctive touch to Chicken Marsala. The wine’s nutty toffee aroma bridges the realms of savory and sweet.
12. Cribari Marsala
Average Price: Roughly $6.49 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Vanilla, roasted nuts, citrus, floral aroma
Palate: Caramel
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Cribari Marsala brings a delightful transformation when integrated into our Chicken Marsala recipe.
The dried fruits and toasted almonds intertwine with the savory Marsala, creating a harmonious blend that enriches the dish’s depth.
“Unlock flavor harmony: Marsala wine transforms Chicken Marsala’s delight.”- Liquor Laboratory
As an added touch, the subtle hints of vanilla provide a layer of comfort, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product’s overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, and compatibility with Chicken Marsala recipes were evaluated.
FAQs
What kind of marsala wine is best for cooking Chicken Marsala?
Dry Marsala wine is the ideal choice for cooking Chicken Marsala. The cooking wine has a balanced flavor that complements the dish, enhancing the savory components of the recipe.
Is sweet or dry marsala wine better for Chicken Marsala?
Dry Marsala wine is the preferred option for Chicken Marsala. Its less sweet [3] and more balanced profile allows the savory flavors of the dish to shine, resulting in a well-rounded and delicious culinary creation.
Tip: You can try Colombo Marsala Dry or white wine when cooking popular recipes like Chicken Marsala.
What wine is good for Marsala sauce?
Florio Sweet Marsala is an excellent choice for creating Marsala sauce. Unlike white wine, its sweet and rich characteristics infuse the sauce with depth and complexity, adding a delightful dimension to its flavor profile.
How does Gordon Ramsay make Chicken Marsala?
Gordon Ramsay’s approach to making Chicken Marsala involves a few key steps. He prepares the sauce with the chicory in a large skillet using Marsala wine, a sweet fortified wine from Marsala Region in Sicily.
Also, he adds 150 milliliters of chicken broth, fresh thyme, and heavy cream on medium-high heat.
Can you use regular Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala?
If you can’t find Marsala wines mentioned above, you can use regular Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala. If desired, a Wine enthusiast may recommend white wines and red wines like Port wine, Sherry, or Madeira.
Each of these wine varieties can bring its unique flavor profile to the dish, allowing flexibility and creativity in your Chicken Marsala preparation.
Do you use red or white Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala?
For Chicken Marsala, use red Marsala wine. This red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
White Marsala wine is commonly used in desserts and other recipes requiring a lighter and sweeter flavor profile.
Where do you buy Marsala wines?
You can purchase Marsala wines from various sources, including local liquor stores, specialty wine shops, and online retailers.
Online platforms like Drizly and Total Wine offer a convenient way to explore and purchase Marsala wines, white wines, and red wines from the comfort of your home.
Why is Dry Marsala considered a good choice for Chicken Marsala?
Dry Marsala is often preferred for Chicken Marsala because it adds depth of flavor without excessive sweetness, allowing the other ingredients to shine while balancing the richness of the dish.
What makes Sweet Marsala a suitable option for Chicken Marsala?
Sweet Marsala lends a rich, caramelized flavor to Chicken Marsala, enhancing its sweetness and providing a slightly thicker sauce. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweeter profile in their dish.
Is there a specific type of Marsala wine labeled “Fine” that’s recommended for Chicken Marsala?
Yes, Fine Marsala is a versatile option for Chicken Marsala, offering a balanced flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too dry, making it suitable for a wide range of palates.
Can you recommend a specific brand of Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala?
While there are several reputable brands of Marsala wine available, some popular choices for Chicken Marsala include Florio, Pellegrino, and Vecchioflorio.
In Summary
In the flavorful world of Chicken Marsala [4], the choice of Marsala wine plays a pivotal role in crafting an exceptional dish.
From the inviting aroma to the harmonious interplay of flavors, the best Marsala wines elevate the culinary experience.
As we’ve explored a diverse range of Marsala wines, from Florio Sweet Marsala’s rich sweetness to Mineo Marsala Dry’s nuanced complexities, we’ve discovered that the right pairing is essential for achieving the best results.
What is the best marsala wine for you? We love to hear from you in our comment section below.
References:
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a49576/creamy-chicken-marsala-recipe/
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-marsala-wine-3510909
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/wine/about-marsala-wine
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778
