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Whether you’re a wine aficionado or not, chances are you will have sampled the world- famous Chianti at some point. Either on a wine tasting tour, in a restaurant or the comfort of your own home, this renowned tipple is loved the world over. It’s a brilliant red that really excels when experienced as part of a meal; the only problem is deciding what is the best food to pair it with! Many people say that the wines of Italy pair best with the food of their region, and it’s well known that Tuscany has some of the finest food in the world. But there are also some other pairings with Chianti that encompass a whole world of flavours. Here are some of the best ways to drink this delectable vino. Pasta and Sauces The depth and acidity of Chianti goes well with the richness of a tomato sauce, which are available readily throughout Italy in a variety of incarnations. If you find a bottle on a wine tasting tour that you particularly enjoy, chances are you can get it with a side of pasta and ragu at a nearby local restaurant. But in fact, pasta without red sauce is good with this tipple too, since richness can also be added with delicious cheeses. Ribollita Something that you may not have heard of, but a great pairing nonetheless, is this Tuscan classic that is a hearty soup laden with bread and cannellini beans. With plenty of vegetables included, this is a warming, rustic and fantastically delicious meal that goes so well with Chianti. Margherita Pizza Combining the saltiness of cheese with the richness of a good tomato sauce, the Margherita pizza is a classic pairing. It’s a simple meal now enjoyed the world over (just like the Tuscan red), and the drink will never clash with it. Roasts and Grills The red goes really well with roasted lamb, veal and Tuscan style sausages, especially when they’re prepared with the traditional herbs and spices of the region. Think lashings of garlic and rosemary and you can’t go wrong. Complex Cured Meats The acidity and herby flavour of Chianti really needs a good match of food to enhance its inimitable effect on the palate. Wine tasting tours of the local region will likely offer you cured meats as a snack, and this is a great place to start if you’re not able to have a full meal with a glass. The complex and salty flavours of classic Italian cured meats make them an ideal match. A Bottle to Savour You’ll probably expect to be given some cheeses and salamis at most wine tasting tours in Italy, and while these are great, there is a huge number of other types of food that go perfectly with Chianti. Sample a few glasses and see what you think would be the best food to go with it - all in the name of research, of course. Going on a wine tasting tour is a great way to experience the fantastic reds that the Tuscan region has to offer, and if pairing the drink with food is something you’re interested in, then it’s highly recommended you book with a local tour operator. Having the expertise of a knowledgeable guide will really take your experience to the next level. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best wine tasting tour itineraries. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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