The Chianti pairing is a subject that deserves detailed discussion. This iconic wine from Tuscany, famous worldwide, offers a range of flavors that can be enhanced by various dishes.
In this article, we will explore different culinary pairings that can help you enjoy your Chianti to the fullest.
Types of Chianti
Before delving into the pairings, it’s essential to know the different types of Chianti. Chianti Classico is distinguished into:
- Chianti Classico Riserva: This complex and structured wine is obtained by aging the wine for 24 months, of which at least 3 are in the bottle. This promotes the formation of a particularly rich olfactory profile, with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and fruity scents. With its refinement, a Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG represents the ideal pairing for robust and tasty dishes.
- Chianti Classico Annata: This is a young, fresh wine, meant to be drunk a few years after harvest. The olfactory bouquet reveals scents of sour cherry and violet, while the taste is energetic and rich in fruit. Thanks to its drinkability, it can be consumed daily, paired with light dishes.
- Gran Selezione: This wine, characterized by distinctive elegance on the palate, is produced exclusively with grapes harvested from a single vineyard. The aging process requires a minimum of 30 months, of which at least 3 are dedicated to refining in the bottle. It stands out for its sophisticated aromatic profile, with spicy notes and hints of dried fruit and wild berries. The tannins are velvety and soft, contributing to creating a perfect balance in the wine. The production of Chianti Gran Selezione follows very strict quality standards, and each bottle must pass meticulous analysis to receive a certificate of conformity ensuring its superiority.
Pairings with Chianti Classico Riserva
The Chianti pairing ideal for Riserva is with structured and flavorful dishes. This wine pairs perfectly with red meats, such as a rare steak, grills, and roasts.
For game-based dishes, like polenta with wild boar sauce, braised meats, or stews, it is advisable to pair a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Pairings with Chianti Classico Annata
Chianti Classico Annata, thanks to its freshness and liveliness, pairs well with light dishes. It can be consumed daily, paired with pasta with ragù, not overly aged cheeses, and white meats like chicken and rabbit.
Indeed, it can also be paired with Asian cuisine dishes, known for their sharp and spice-rich flavors.
Pairings with Chianti Gran Selezione
Chianti Gran Selezione, thanks to its elegance and aromatic complexity, pairs perfectly with structured and flavorful dishes.
This wine pairs perfectly with red meats, such as a rare steak, grills, and roasts. For game-based dishes, like polenta with wild boar sauce, braised meats, or stews, it is advisable to pair a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Other Ideal Gastronomic Pairings for Chianti Wine
- Spaghetti with Meatballs: This classic dish pairs well with any red wine. The tomato sauce in the spaghetti can dominate some wines, but the meatballs will help balance its acidity.
- Pizza Margherita: You can never go wrong with pizza! For an ideal pairing with this specific variety of pizza (composed of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil), it would be preferable to opt for a white wine with an acidic character like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, rather than another type of red wine.
- Milanese Arancini: Arancini is a typical Milanese dish. It is made with Arborio rice, peas, cooked ham, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Panzanella Salad: Panzanella salad is a classic Tuscan salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil. It is usually served with olive oil. This represents an excellent pairing with Chianti wine, as it features complementary flavors like tomato and basil.
- Mozzarella in Carrozza: This traditional Italian dish represents one of the most harmonious pairings with Chianti wine. The dish consists of breaded mozzarella slices that are then served with marinara sauce, both on top and on the side.
- Pasta with Bolognese Meat Sauce: This is a classic Italian dish that has existed since the 18th century. It consists of beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and is delicious with Chianti wine!
- Vitello Tonnato (veal with tuna sauce): This dish consists of tuna, olive oil, and capers, with the addition of parsley, onion, and lemon juice. It pairs well with Chianti wine.
How to Serve Chianti Correctly
To fully appreciate Chianti, it is essential to serve it the right way. Typically, a bottle of Chianti should be opened at least an hour before tasting.
If it is a Chianti that has undergone longer refinement, it would be advisable to uncork it at least two hours before tasting. Also, it is essential to ensure that the bottle is at the right temperature before uncorking it.
For a young and light Chianti, the ideal temperature should be between 15 and 18 degrees. Conversely, for a more structured Chianti, like the Classico Riserva or Gran Selezione, the temperature should not exceed 20 degrees.
Where to Buy Chianti
To discover the wide range of Chianti wines available, visit ENOTECA DI PIAZZA by Fedolfi Andrea s.a.s. on their website https://enotecadipiazza.com/.
They offer a selection of some of the finest national wines, available for online purchase.
