Coq au vin, the classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, is a flavorful and comforting meal. With its rich wine sauce and tender meat, coq au vin makes a satisfying main course. However, like any main dish, coq au vin can be elevated by the right accompaniment. Choosing the perfect side dish or dishes to serve alongside the coq au vin can take the meal to the next level.
The Importance of Pairing Wine with Coq au Vin
One of the most important pairings to consider with coq au vin is the wine. Since the dish is braised with red wine, it’s crucial to select a wine that complements and enhances the flavors of the coq au vin. Here are some tips for picking the right wine:
- Choose a French red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. You want a light-bodied red that won’t overpower the wine in the braise.
- Consider a red wine from the same region the coq au vin wine came from. This allows the grape varieties and terroir to harmonize.
- Don’t choose a wine that’s oaky or tannic as it can clash with the delicate flavors of the dish.
- Pick a wine with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Pairing coq au vin with the right French red wine is key to making this dish sing.
Recommended Wine Varietals
Here are some excellent French wine varietals to pair with coq au vin:
| Wine | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Burgundy | Elegant and lightly fruity with savory, earthy notes |
| Beaujolais | Beaujolais | Fruit-forward with high acidity and medium body |
| Côtes du Rhône | Rhône Valley | Spicy and medium-bodied with red and black fruit flavors |
Complementary Vegetable Side Dishes
In addition to wine, coq au vin demands an accompanying vegetable side. Vegetables provide brightness and color contrast to the rich, dark chicken dish. Here are some excellent veggie sides to serve with coq au vin:
Root Vegetables
Hearty roasted root vegetables are a classic pairing. They add comforting, earthy flavors and pair nicely with the wine sauce. Try:
- Roasted or glazed carrots
- Parsnips or turnips
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Green Vegetables
Fresh green veggies balance the heaviness of the dish. Excellent options include:
- Sauteed spinach or kale
- Broccoli rabe
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
For best results, avoid overcooking the greens. You want them to retain vibrancy and crunch.
Starchy Side Dishes for Soaking up Sauce
Don’t let that incredible coq au vin sauce go to waste! Help soak up all that flavor with an accompaniment of potatoes, rice, pasta or grains. Here are some options:
Rice
| Type | Preparation |
|---|---|
| White rice | Steamed or pilaf |
| Risotto | Cook with wine, mushrooms, shallots |
| Wild rice | Simmer until tender |
Potatoes
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Classic French frites
- Hasselback potatoes
- Potato gratin
Pasta and Grains
- Buttered noodles
- Orzo or couscous pilaf
- Polenta
- Farro or barley
These starchy sides are comforting and will happily absorb any extra sauce.
Crunchy Accents and Garnishes
Aside from the main vegetable and starch accompaniments, it’s nice to add little crunchy, textural accents to coq au vin. This contrast in texture makes the dish more complex and interesting. Try serving it with:
- Toasted or grilled bread
- Garlic croutons
- Crispy shallots or fried onions
- Chopped toasted almonds
- Buttered French baguette croutons
A garnish of fresh parsley, thyme or chives also adds color and freshness.
Conclusion
At its heart, coq au vin is peasant food – humble ingredients transformed through slow cooking. But by thoughtfully choosing complementary sides and accents, you can take this rustic French dish to new levels of sophistication. A balanced pairing of a light red wine, bright vegetables, starchy mops and textural crunch will have your guests begging for seconds. With the right sides, coq au vin becomes a memorable meal – the definitively French comfort food.