Tuscan cuisine and wines make the perfect pairing, with rustic dishes and bold flavors that enhance each other beautifully. Here are some pairing ideas for Tuscany’s most beloved dishes and typical wines:

1. Appetizers and Tuscan Charcuterie Boards

Dishes: Cured meats like finocchiona, Tuscan prosciutto, aged pecorino, crostini neri (crostini with liver pâté).
Wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano – a dry, slightly savory white wine that balances the richness of the cured meats and the structure of pecorino cheese.

2. First Courses – Pasta and Soups

Pici with wild boar ragù: This hearty, flavorful dish pairs perfectly with Chianti Classico, which has good acidity and a structure that stands up well to the gamey ragù.
Ribollita or Pappa al Pomodoro:
These rustic, flavorful Tuscan staples are ideally matched with a Rosso di Montalcino or Morellino di Scansano, red wines that are soft and fruity, complementing the simple yet intense flavors of ribollita and pappa al pomodoro.

3. Meat Entrées

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The queen of Tuscan cuisine deserves a noble wine. Bistecca alla Fiorentina pairs magnificently with a Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. These robust, structured red wines with long finishes complement the grilled red meat beautifully.
Stewed Wild Boar: For the intense, gamey flavors of wild boar, Bolgheri Rosso or Carmignano are ideal choices. Their tannic, spicy profiles harmonize with the dish's complexity.

4. Aged Pecorino and Cheese

Aged and flavorful Tuscan pecorino, like pecorino from Pienza, is excellent with a glass of Chianti Riserva or Rosso di Montalcino.
If you prefer a sweeter pairing, try Vin Santo, which enhances the cheese's flavors with a pleasant contrast.

5. Desserts

Cantucci and Vin Santo: This is the quintessential Tuscan pairing. Cantucci, crunchy almond biscuits, are traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine that enhances the almond notes and makes the dessert experience unforgettable. 

Remember: each Tuscan dish and wine tells a story, and the perfect pairing enhances both!
Buon appetito and cheers!

Photos: Wineandfoodtour.it / Viagramsci.it