Perfectly Paired: Exploring Chianti Food Combinations

Chianti Food Pairings

Italy is synonymous with good food and good wine. No matter what region you’re traveling in, you’ll find some of the finest cuisines and wines known to man and a local population who are passionate and knowledgeable about both. The delicate combinations that the food and drink can produce can truly be a revelation for visitors to the country. When paired, remarkable things can happen on your palate. 

This dedication to sensuous pleasures is perhaps nowhere truer than in the region of Tuscany, and within that region nowhere outdoes Chianti. Chianti Food Pairings menus that incorporate the wines and food of Chianti can pretty much do no wrong!

 

 

What is a Chianti Food Pairing?

For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, chefs and sommeliers can work wonders with your taste buds by creating a combination menu that takes the finest reds, whites, and rosés and matches them with food that has just the right flavor combination to wow you. Chianti food pairings is likely to be perfect for those who enjoy the classic hearty flavors of Italy, as the wines of this region (for which they are named) go perfectly with these types of dishes. Below are some of the very best combinations of wine and foods that you can enjoy on a tour of the region.

Roast Meats

Roast meat, such as lamb, is a classic combination that you will see on many a Chianti food pairing menu, and it works. The wine can hold its own against the strong, punchy flavors of roast meat. Giving the meat a generous rubbing with spice and herbs works well as the wine of the region is so robust.

Lasagna

The red sauce of lasagna is perhaps the most widely known and appreciated pairing for the wine of this region. Chianti Classico, with its higher percentage of Sangiovese grapes, is the one to go for in nearly all cases, although the other versions are very nice in themselves. The carbohydrate-dense, rich sauce and heavy meats of this dish can make finding a wine to match quite tricky, but Classico, with its freshness and acidity, acts almost as a palate cleanser between bites – making each mouthful feel like the first. 

 

Chicken Parmesan

The trouble with chicken parmesan can be that it sometimes just feels too much. It’s a rich mixture of breaded chicken, strong cheese, and deep red tomato sauce. The subtle flavor of the meat can easily be lost.

 

 

 

Thankfully, Chianti Classico does a great job of bringing out every flavor of the meal because of its acidity, so this dish will taste better than ever before.

 

For your next meal enjoy Chianti Food Pairings – and enjoy food !

May all your wishes come true. Happy holidays!