What are Some Unique Ways to Pair Chianti Wines with Local Tuscan Cuisine?

When most people consider Italy, they typically think of two things – wine and food. In Tuscany, Chianti wine dominates the world. It’s powerful, deep, and iconic in every way.

But how do you elevate your Chianti experience? Simply put pairing it with local and authentic Tuscan food that goes with it. No matter you’re tasting Chianti at a vineyard or enjoying a glass in an Italian trattoria, pairing it with the right plate of food creates flavor extremes. So, let’s explore fun and unique ways to pair Chianti wine with local Tuscan food since your taste buds deserve it.

What is Chianti?

Chianti is a red wine made mostly from Sangiovese grapes. It comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. Depending on where it’s made, it might taste fruity, spicy, earthy—or all three at once. There’s even a special version called Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, which is aged longer and has even deeper flavors.

Chianti wines usually have good acidity and firm tannins. And they go really well with food—especially Tuscan food, which is all about simple, bold flavors.

1. Pair Chianti with Wild Boar Ragu (aka Cinghiale)

Let’s begin with a traditional dish from Tuscany, wild boar ragu. This is a rich and rustic dish that is big on flavor. A dish with slow braised meat, a velvety tomato sauce and a medley of savory herbs needs a wine that can stand up to all that flavor. Medium-bodied Chianti and its earthiness is a nice complement to the dish. The tannins cut through the fat and provide a nice counterpoint to the acidity that matches the tang of the tomato. It’s simply a match made in Italian food heaven.

Pro Tip: Serve your Tuscan-style wild boar ragu with fresh pappardelle pasta.

2. Pecorino Cheese and Chianti

You know about wine and cheese, but have you tasted aged Pecorino Toscano with Chianti? The sheep’s milk cheese is salty and nutty, which is absolutely fantastic with the sweet fruity notes of Chianti.

You can even pour a little honey on the cheese for a little twist. The sweet, salty, and tangy combo with the wine is perfection. If you are hosting a more laid-back wine night or want to create your own DIY Tuscan-type picnic, this will be a great choice.

3. Bistecca alla Fiorentina with Chianti Classico

It is a huge T-bone slab grilled just the way you want it. Juicy, smoky, and big flavor. You need a bold wine for this like Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG. This wine has also spent some time aging, so it will be deeper and smoother, with dark cherry notes and hints of tobacco and spice. Perfect for a ribeye that is just as bold. Also, keep it simple. Salt, pepper, olive oil, and a nice hot fire is all the steak needs.

4. Pair Chianti with Ribollita Soup

Ribollita is a classic soup from Tuscany consisting of beans, bread, kale, and vegetables. It is warm, cozy, and comforting. You may be thinking, – Soup with red wine? But it works because the acidity in Chianti cuts through the richness of the soup and the earthiness complements the rustic nature of the soup. It’s a great option if you are looking for a cozy option but still want to wine it up.

5. Chianti and Panforte

Panforte is a traditional Tuscan dessert comprised of dried fruits, nuts, honey, and spices. It is dense and rich, like fruitcake but better in every way. A glass of slightly chilled Chianti will enhance all of the spices and the fruitiness of the panforte. This is an uncommon pairing where the outcome feels very fancy, but is quite easy to enjoy. It is an excellent way to culminate a Tuscan meal.

Final Thoughts

Tuscany is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures—good wine, good food, and good company. Pairing Chianti with local dishes doesn’t have to be complicated. Just go for balance. Let the wine and food highlight each other.

So the next time you’re enjoying a glass and want to impress your taste buds, try one of these pairings. Whether you’re exploring a bottle with a bold Chianti taste or sipping a fancy Chianti Classico Riserva, there’s a perfect dish waiting to meet it.