Chianti Wine Pairings: The Complete Guide to the Best Food and Wine Pairings
Looking for the best Chianti wine pairings to enhance your favorite dishes? You've come to the right place. Chianti is one of the world's most beloved Tuscan red wines, with over 500 years of history and a culinary versatility that makes it perfect for both traditional dishes and creative recipes.
In questa guida completa, ti sveleremo i 5 accostamenti enogastronomici che esalteranno il bouquet fruttato e i tannini morbidi del Chianti, trasformando la tua cena in un'esperienza da sommelier. Che tu preferisca il Chianti Classico DOCG o il Chianti Riserva Colli Aretini DOCG, ogni abbinamento è pensato per valorizzare le caratteristiche uniche di questo grande vino toscano.
Why Chianti is Perfect for Many Pairings
Before exploring specific pairings, it's important to understand what makes Chianti so versatile in the kitchen. This Tuscan red wine has unique characteristics:
- Soft and velvety tannins: cleanse the palate of meat fats
- Lively acidity: enhances the flavour of foods and refreshes
- Complex aromatic profile: notes of cherry, violet, spices and undergrowth
- Medium-full body: holds structured dishes without overwhelming them
- Aging versatility: from young to Riserva, each has its ideal pairing
These qualities make Chianti the ideal companion for Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, but also for more creative dishes.
1. Grilled Beef Slices: The Iconic Pairing
Beef tagliata is the undisputed king of Chianti wine pairings. It's no coincidence that this is the most requested pairing in Tuscan restaurants: it works perfectly.
Why It Works
Red meat, cooked to perfection (medium-rare) and flavored with fresh rosemary, garlic, and Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, finds its ideal companion in Chianti. The wine's soft tannins cleanse the palate from the meat's richness, while the lively acidity enhances the beef's natural savoriness and contrasts pleasantly with the fatty flavors.
The Secret to the Perfect Match
- Choose a premium cut such as Florentine steak or sirloin
- Cook the meat on the grill or hot griddle (seal the outside well)
- Season only with coarse salt, black pepper, rosemary and a drizzle of raw EVO oil.
- Serve with rocket and parmesan shavings for a touch of freshness.
Consiglio Borgunto: Prova il nostro Chianti Riserva Colli Aretini DOCG, affinato almeno 24 mesi in botti di rovere. La sua struttura tannica più marcata e i sentori speziati donati dal legno sono perfetti per carni rosse alla griglia. Servilo a 18°C per esaltarne tutte le sfumature.
2. Pappardelle with Wild Boar: Authentic Tuscan Tradition
Another timeless Tuscan classic that perfectly pairs with Chianti. This hearty and flavorful first course is a must-try in Chianti Classico trattorias.
The Harmony Between Wine and Sauce
The wild boar sauce is rich, gamey, and lightly spiced thanks to the long cooking process with herbs like bay leaves, juniper, thyme, and tomato. The Chianti, with its spicy aftertaste and good acidity, holds its own against the sauce's power without being overpowering, creating a perfect harmony with the fresh egg pasta.
How to Prepare the Perfect Pairing
- Use fresh pasta: wide pappardelle hold the sauce better.
- Cook the wild boar in a stew for at least 3 hours with red wine (ideally Chianti itself)
- Add a sauté of carrot, celery and red onion as a base
- Mix the pasta with the sauce and a spoonful of cooking water
Abbinamento vino: Un Chianti giovane (1-2 anni) con la sua freschezza e vivacità è perfetto per tagliare la grassezza del sugo. Se preferisci un'esperienza più complessa, opta per un Chianti Riserva con almeno 24 mesi di affinamento in legno.
Vuoi Provare il Nostro Chianti Riserva?
Da Borgunto produciamo Chianti Riserva DOCG Colli Aretini con uve coltivate nelle nostre vigne sulle colline aretine. Il nostro uvaggio è composto da 85% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo e 10% tra Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti e altre uve rosse. Affinato in rovere per oltre 24 mesi, è un vino di grande struttura, perfetto per occasioni speciali.
