Combining Chianti with Traditional Tuscan Food

Tuscany, with its rich culinary heritage and stunning landscapes, is renowned for both its exceptional wines and delicious local dishes.

Two prominent wines from this region, Chianti Colli Fiorentini and Chianti Classico, offer a wonderful pairing potential with traditional Tuscan food, whether enjoyed as an aperitivo, with main dishes, or even alongside desserts. Here’s how to enhance your dining experience by harmonizing these wines with local foods.

Combining Chianti Colli Fiorentini with traditional Tuscan food

Combining Chianti Colli Fiorentini with traditional Tuscan food is a must for all lovers of good food and wine.

In Tuscany, it is indeed possible to define the meal to be eaten according to the wine to be associated with it. The culture for traditional Tuscan food passes mainly from the moment of the ‘antipasti’ and then continues with the main courses, where this combination takes centre stage.

Let us therefore discover how these two tastes can be combined to obtain a unique flavour.

The Aperitivo Pairings

The Chianti Colli Fiorentini combined with a Cheese Plate and a Charcuterie Board can start your evening with a selection of local cheeses, such as Pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese) or Taleggio with the salami toscani, or the finocchiona. The fresh and fruity notes of Chianti Colli Fiorentini complement the creaminess of the cheeses, enhancing their flavors.

The Chianti Superiore combined with Crostini topped with liver pâté, marinated vegetables, or bruschetta with diced tomatoes and basil. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the pâté and balances the freshness of the tomatoes. The Chianti Superiore is a combination of freshness and fruity combined to a more body wine.

The Main Dish Pairings

The Chianti Classico can be an excellent combination with the Pasta Dishes; This wine is excellent with traditional Tuscan pasta dishes, such as Linguine al tartuffo (truffel linquine pasta) or Pici Cacio e Pepe (hand-rolled pasta with cheese and pepper) or Pasta ai Funghi (pasta with Mushroom creamy sauce). The wine’s fruity characteristics and moderate tannins complement the richness of the sauces.

In the traditional tuscan food, the Chianti Classico can be an excellent combination with the Grilled Meats: Consider pairing with grilled meats like tipical Tuscany sausages or tagliata di manzo (sliced grilled beef) or arista di maiale (Tuscan pork roast). The juicy fruit notes and the wine’s tannins enhance the flavors of the meats while balancing the smokiness from the grill.

The Chianti Riserva with the bold structure of Chianti pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as cinghiale in umido (braised wild boar) or lepre alla cacciatora (hunter’s-style rabbit). The wine’s tannins match the intensity of the game meat, creating a harmonious balance.

The Dessert Pairings

While Tuscan desserts are often sweet, pairing them with these wines can create a unique culinary experience. The Cantucci (Tuscan almond cookies) are served with a glass of Vin Santo (sweet wine) for dipping. The wine’s fruitiness complements the nutty flavors of the cookies, creating a delightful ending to the meal. The Vin Santo is a very old and traditional sweet wine based mainly on the grapes of Malvasia Bianca with a long and complicated process.

Also the Chocolate Desserts are frequently combined to the Chianti Classico very good with dark chocolate torte (chocolate cake). The wine’s depth and tannic structure harmonize beautifully with the bitterness of dark chocolate, enhancing its complexity.

Visit Clantenova and taste the traditional Tuscan food

By thoughtfully pairing the Chianti Colli Fiorentini, the Superiore, the Chianti Classico, the Riserva or the Supertuscun with traditional Tuscan foods, you can create a memorable dining experience that celebrates the region’s culinary traditions.

Whether enjoyed as an aperitivo, with main dishes, or alongside dessert, these wines will elevate the flavors of your meal, showcasing the best of Tuscany’s rich gastronomy. Enjoy the journey of tasting and savoring the beautiful combinations!

Meet us at Clantenova Winery for a full tasting menu and visit. Extra virgin Olive Oil and Wine paired to the bet organic and genuine products from Tuscany.