Tuscan Wines & Pairings

Classic bottles, tasting notes & perfect dish matches from Chef David Giani.

The right wine makes good food sing. Explore essential Tuscan styles—from Chianti and Brunello to iconic Super Tuscans, crisp Vernaccia and luscious Vin Santo—with straightforward pairings you can trust.

Tignanello bottle with glass
Tignanello — modern Tuscan elegance
Sassicaia bottle on wooden table
Sassicaia — Bolgheri icon
Vernaccia di San Gimignano glass and bottle
Vernaccia — crisp & mineral
Merlot glass swirl
Merlot — plush & velvety

Typical Tuscan Wine Styles

  • Chianti Classico (Sangiovese)
  • Brunello di Montalcino
  • Morellino di Scansano
  • Vernaccia di San Gimignano
  • Super Tuscans (Bolgheri/IGT)
  • Vin Santo (dessert wine)

3 Fast Rules for Pairing

  1. Weight ↔ Weight: big wines with rich dishes; lighter wines with delicate food.
  2. Acid loves fat: Chianti & Vernaccia refresh fried, creamy, or cheesy dishes.
  3. Echo flavors: herbal notes with herbs; oak/vanilla with roasted meats; sweet with dessert.

Pairing Cards

Chianti bottle

Chianti Classico

Pair with: Beef Tripe (Trippa alla Fiorentina)

Tasting: Ripe cherry, violet, subtle spice; lively acidity that cuts richness.

Brunello bottle

Brunello di Montalcino

Pair with: Pan-Roasted Beef Filet

Tasting: Dried cherry, tobacco, balsamic herb; structured and long.

Montepulciano bottle

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Pair with: Pappardelle with Rabbit Ragout

Tasting: Juicy black cherry, plum, gentle spice; soft tannins.

Tignanello bottle

Tignanello (2019)

Pair with: Beef Tournedos

Tasting: Dark berries, sweet spice, vanilla; polished tannins, long finish.

Sassicaia bottle

Sassicaia (2015)

Pair with: Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Tasting: Cassis, cedar, Mediterranean herbs; silky power and poise.

Carmignano bottle

Carmignano (2020)

Pair with: Wild Boar Salmì

Tasting: Blackberry, herb, spice; smoky, savory and elegant.

Vernaccia bottle

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Pair with: John Dory

Tasting: Apple, lemon zest, white flowers; crisp & mineral.

Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove bottle

Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove (2020)

Pair with: Pan-Roasted Veal Chop

Tasting: Blackberry, clove, mocha, violet; velvety and long.

Merlot bottle

Meyer Merlot (2019)

Pair with: Roasted Quail

Tasting: Black cherry, cocoa, plum; round tannins and subtle vanilla oak.

Guado al Tasso bottle

Guado al Tasso (2019)

Pair with: Stuffed Rabbit Leg

Tasting: Cassis, dark chocolate, rosemary; dense and complex.

Morellino bottle

Morellino di Scansano

Pair with: Turkey Drumstick

Tasting: Bright red fruit, floral lift; silky tannins and refreshing acidity.

Zio Baffa Sangiovese bottle

Zio Baffa Organic Sangiovese (2017)

Pair with: Boneless Roasted Rabbit

Tasting: Cherry, raspberry, dried herbs; smooth and rustic charm.

Vin Santo bottle

Vin Santo (2009)

Pair with: Ricciarelli Cookies

Tasting: Almond, dried apricot, honey, orange peel; luscious & lingering.

Cabreo il Borgo bottle

Cabreo il Borgo (2018)

Pair with: Pappardelle with Duck Confit

Tasting: Plum, dark berries, leather, oak spice; velvety and complex.

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