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Roasted Chestnuts: A Perfect Fall Treat

Feb 102 min read

Roasted Chestnuts: A Perfect Fall Treat

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

1. History

Chestnuts have been enjoyed for centuries throughout Italy, especially in regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Campania, where chestnut trees thrive in the mountainous terrain. Traditionally, roasted chestnuts were a simple, warming snack sold by street vendors during the cooler months. Over time, they became a staple of Italian autumn festivals, often paired with local wines and cheeses. Their sweet, nutty aroma wafting from outdoor fires has long been a cherished sign of fall’s arrival.

2. Pairing

Roasted chestnuts have a delicate sweetness and a soft, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with Italian wines. Some excellent choices include:

Chianti Classico: The bright acidity and earthy red fruit of Chianti Classico complements the nutty, slightly smoky flavor of roasted chestnuts.
Barbera d’Asti: Barbera’s vibrant acidity and soft tannins balance the sweetness of chestnuts while enhancing their natural earthiness.
Dolcetto d’Alba: Dolcetto’s approachable, fruit-forward character is a perfect match for the subtle caramelized notes in roasted chestnuts.
Lambrusco: A dry, sparkling Lambrusco cuts through the richness of chestnuts, providing a refreshing counterpoint to their creamy texture.
Soave Classico: For a white wine option, Soave Classico’s crisp acidity and floral notes pair surprisingly well, bringing out the nutty sweetness of roasted chestnuts.

3. Top Winery

Castello di Ama (Tuscany): Known for its exceptional Chianti Classico, this estate produces wines with the perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and earthiness to elevate a humble snack of roasted chestnuts.
Pio Cesare (Piedmont): A historic winery that crafts exquisite Barbera and Dolcetto wines, ideal for pairing with the warm, toasty flavors of chestnuts.
Cleto Chiarli (Emilia-Romagna): Famous for its elegant Lambrusco, this winery offers a sparkling red that refreshes the palate while complementing the nutty depth of roasted chestnuts.

4. Chef Tips

When roasting chestnuts at home, make sure to score the shells before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
Roasting over an open fire gives chestnuts a wonderfully smoky aroma, but they can also be roasted in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes.
Serve roasted chestnuts warm, either simply salted or with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary.
Pair them with Italian cheeses, such as a young Pecorino Toscano or a slice of Taleggio, for an added layer of flavor.

Best pair with:

Chianti Classico, Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba, Lambrusco, or Soave Classico.
A wedge of aged Pecorino or a creamy Taleggio for a traditional Italian snack.