Brunello di Montalcino may very well be one of the most important wines produced in Italy, so how do you properly pair a wine that is known and loved by so many? Here are a few suggestions on the best Brunello di Montalcino wine pairings.
Roasted Lamb with Rosemary
It is a simple “meat and potatoes” type dish, but paired with an aged Brunello you will find you don’t need any more than this simple dish to bring out the flavors of your wine.
Once again, the best pairing for such an important wine is a simple, well-cooked meat dish. And it’s no wonder that the T-bone steak is a Tuscan specialty, just like this wine. Served at a thickness of 3 inches, the “Fiorentina” steak made of Chianina beef is worth sharing in good company, just like the Brunello.
Aged Cheeses
If you tend to steer clear of meat dishes, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a Brunello di Montalcino. Though this wine does pair well with meat dishes, it is also a great wine to drink with aged cheese such as Precorino and Parmiggiano Reggiano.
Portabello Mushrooms
Another great veggie option to pair with your Brunello is a grilled Portabello mushroom. The texture and earthy flavors are perfect for this Sangiovese-based wine.
Truffles
If there were one Italian food which matched the elegance of a Brunello di Montalcino, it would have to be a white truffle. These delicacies are only seasonally “hunted” and very rare, not surprisingly local to Tuscany. They are found nearby to the area where Brunello vineyards are situated so the pair is a match made in heaven. Truffles can be added to pasta dishes or game.
The Brunello di Montalcino is a great wine to pair with simple dishes. That is an Italian rule of thumb when it comes to food and pairing – simple, high-quality foods. Brunello is also a great wine to pair with spices as its aged characteristics evoke bountiful flavors such as vanilla, cherry, raspberry, and licorice. This is a wine worth remembering, so pair well!
