Eggplant Lasagna & French Pinot Noir - To do

PAIRINGS

Eggplant Lasagna — Bourgogne rouge and Chianti
By Lynne Char Bennett, Chronicle Staff Writer

Choosing just one wine for dinner can be challenging, especially when there are several dishes at the table. Versatile Pinot Noir is the hands-down favorite red wine for such occasions because it has minimal to soft tannins and bright acidity — important food-friendly characteristics. Bourgogne rouge, from Pinot Noir grown in Burgundy, has an extra measure of acidity. Some bottlings are so tart that the wine needs to be enjoyed with food before it will show its best.

Another food-friendly red wine — Chianti, which is a Sangiovese from Tuscany — shares similar characteristics. Since Chianti pairs well with tomatoey sauces and cheese (think pizza and red-sauced pasta), a dish with those ingredients could also partner with Bourgogne rouge.

The wine's acidity stands up to the simple tomato sauce, which is flavored with onion, garlic and fresh herbs, while the cheese tempers both. Eggplant's earthiness echoes loamy notes in the wine.