Pairing Brunello di Montalcino By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

A stream of red wine gracefully flows into a clear glass, capturing the elegance of the pour against a muted background.

Pairing Brunello di MontalcinoBy Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

Brunello di Montalcino’s full-bodied nature, bright acidity, and complex array of dark fruit, earthy notes, and tobacco nuances make it a wonderfully versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Whether you’re working with robust meats, savory pastas, or aged cheeses, Brunello’s structured tannins and refined palate can elevate a dish, creating a harmonious dining experience.

1. Meat-Based Pairings:

• Grilled or Roasted Meats:

  
  

  Brunello’s bold structure and dark fruit character stand up beautifully to the char and richness of grilled steak (especially a Tuscan-style bistecca alla fiorentina), roasted lamb, or even a prime rib roast. The wine’s herbal undertones and leather notes enhance the meat’s savory elements, while its acidity cuts through fat, keeping each bite flavorful and balanced.

• Game and Wild Meats:

  
  

  Dishes featuring venison, wild boar, or duck find a natural complement in Brunello’s earthy complexity. A wild boar ragù, for example, with its deeply savory, slow-cooked flavors, is a classic Tuscan pairing that matches Brunello’s depth and tannic backbone.

2. Pasta and Risotto:

• Rich Pasta Sauces:

  
  

  Pappardelle with ragù, especially made with wild game or beef, pairs beautifully with Brunello. The wine’s acidity helps balance the sauce’s richness, while its deep fruit and spice tones enhance the dish’s complexity.

• Mushroom-Based Risotto or Pasta:

  
  

  Brunello’s earthy, truffle-like notes make it a fantastic match for risottos and pastas with porcini mushrooms or black truffles. The wine complements the umami flavors while maintaining its own presence on the palate.

3. Aged Cheeses:Brunello’s tannic structure and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent companion for aged cheeses. Consider a nutty, savory Pecorino Toscano Stagionato or Parmigiano Reggiano, which bring out the wine’s tertiary flavors of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit. The cheese’s saltiness and creaminess contrast with the wine’s texture, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.

4. Rustic Vegetable Dishes:While Brunello typically shines with hearty, meat-focused meals, it can also pair well with rustic, vegetable-centric dishes. Think of oven-roasted root vegetables, eggplant Parmesan, or a rich tomato-based vegetable stew. The wine’s acidity and earthy undertones add depth to these dishes, providing a counterpoint to their sweetness or tanginess.

5. Truffle and Game Pairings:One of the most decadent pairings is Brunello with dishes featuring black or white truffles. The wine’s natural truffle-like aromatics harmonize beautifully with truffle risottos, tagliolini al tartufo, or even truffle-scented roasted chicken. The richness of the truffle is balanced by Brunello’s acidity and firm tannins, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

6. Traditional Tuscan Pairings:For a truly authentic experience, look to traditional Tuscan dishes such as cinghiale in umido (wild boar stew), peposo (a slow-cooked beef stew with pepper and red wine), or simply a plate of prosciutto and aged Pecorino. These regional specialties highlight Brunello’s heritage and elevate the dining experience to one that feels deeply rooted in the vineyards of Montalcino.

In Summary:Brunello di Montalcino pairs best with bold, rich, and savory dishes. Its firm tannins, bright acidity, and layers of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice make it a natural companion for roasted or grilled meats, game dishes, hearty pastas, earthy risottos, and aged cheeses. To truly appreciate the wine’s complexity, pair it with classic Tuscan cuisine or dishes that reflect its rustic, yet refined character.