Are you a wine lover looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal? Do you enjoy the rich and full-bodied taste that Brunello provides?
There’s nothing quite like a glass of Brunello with a well-prepared meal. This unique red wine hailing from the Tuscan region of Italy, is a popular choice for wine enthusiasts everywhere.
However, selecting the right food pairing can make all the difference in bringing out the full flavor of your Brunello. So, what is the best food to pair with Brunello?
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best food to pair with Brunello and help you create a perfect meal to enjoy with your favorite bottle.
35 Best Food to Pair with Brunello
1. Hearty Red Meat Dishes
Brunello’s rich tannins give it a full-bodied flavor that pairs well with red meat dishes. Think grilled steak, braised beef or hearty stews.
The intensity of the wine compliments the richness of the meat, making for a decadent and satisfying meal.
Brunello’s fullness can hold up against bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to add strong herbs like rosemary or thyme to your dish.
2. Mature Cheeses
When it comes to cheese, Brunello’s got you covered. Its robustness can stand up to the most pungent of cheeses.
Consider parmesan, pecorino or gorgonzola and pair it with some fresh fruit and nuts for the perfect cheese board.
The acidity of the wine can temper the sharpness of the cheese, while the cheese brings out the fruity notes in the wine.
3. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
For those looking to enjoy Brunello on a meatless evening, grilled or roasted vegetables are an excellent option.
The wine’s earthy and fruity flavors complement vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Try roasting veggies on skewers with a marinade of olive oil, garlic and lemon zest, and pair with a glass of Brunello for a perfect vegetarian meal.
4. Dark Chocolate Desserts
Brunello is a great option for an after-dinner drink or dessert wine. Its fruity notes and velvety texture complement dark chocolate desserts such as flourless chocolate cake, chocolate truffles or chocolate ganache tart.
The sweetness of the dessert balances out Brunello’s tannic finish, leaving a deliciously harmonious flavor in your mouth.
5. Traditional Tuscan Cuisine
When in doubt, pair your Brunello with classic Tuscan cuisine. Brunello hails from this region of Italy, making it the perfect accompaniment to dishes like pappardelle al ragu or bistecca alla fiorentina.
The combination of the hearty Tuscan flavors with the rich Brunello creates a meal that will transport you to a quaint villa in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
6. Hearty Pasta
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option for your Brunello pairing, a hearty pasta dish will do the trick. Brunello pairs well with tomato-based pasta sauces, lasagna, or baked ziti dishes.
The wine’s tannic structure and acidity contrast perfectly with the rich and creamy flavor of the pasta dishes.
You can also add some spicy sausage or meatballs to the pasta to make it a bit more substantial.
7. Game Meat
Want to kick things up a notch? Pair Brunello with a game dish such as venison or duck.
The wine’s complex flavor structure and earthy notes pair perfectly with the strong taste of game meat.
Try preparing a grilled duck breast with roasted vegetables or seared venison with blackberry sauce for a delectable meal.
8. Dark Chocolate
Pairing wine with chocolate is always a great idea, and Brunello is no exception. The wine’s rich and fruity taste pairs perfectly with dark chocolate.
Look for chocolates with a high cocoa content to bring out the wine’s tannins and acidity.
You can also try pairing Brunello with chocolate truffles, chocolate fondue, or chocolate cake for a decadent dessert.
9. Prosciutto and Melon
The salty flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the melon, creating a delicious appetizer to accompany a glass of Brunello.
10. Grilled Steak
A tender cut of steak cooked on the grill and served with a side of roasted vegetables or potatoes is the perfect pairing for a full-bodied Brunello.
Discover More:Amazing side dishes to eat with Ham Steak
11. Mushrooms and Polenta
Sautéed mushrooms served over creamy polenta make an ideal accompaniment to Brunello, bringing out the wine’s earthy notes.
12. Osso Buco
Osso Buco is a classic Italian stew that is traditionally served with veal shanks slow-cooked in white wine and broth, making it an excellent match for this full-bodied red wine.
13. Duck Confit
Duck confit’s crispy skin and succulent meat make it an ideal pairing for a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, its fruity flavors accentuating the wine’s subtle sweetness and complexity.
14. Lasagna
A hearty lasagna made with layers of ground beef, thick tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs is just right for enjoying alongside this robust Italian red wine.
15. Roasted Wild Boar
A rich dish like roasted wild boar offers up a delicious contrast to the bright acidity found in many Brunello’s di Montalcino wines.
16. Rosemary Potatoes
Roasted rosemary potatoes are an ideal food partner for any type of red wine. Still, they pair especially well with a smooth glass of Brunello di Montalcino thanks to their savory herbal flavors that pick up on some of the same subtle notes in the wine itself.
17. Gnocchi al Sugo d’Agnella
Soft pillows of gnocchi simmered in lamb ragù bring out the bold fruitiness that is often found in Brunello di Montalcino wines, making them one pasta dish you can’t pass up when sipping this Italian red vino!
18. Salami Pizza
Salami pizza may not sound like an extravagant choice at first glance, but when paired with a glass of robust Brunello, it transforms into something much more special thanks to its perfect combination of salty salami slices and tangy tomato sauce that accentuate each other as they mix with the oak character found in many types of this Tuscan red vino.
Explore More: Amazing Italian Appetizers That Go with Pizza
19. Duck Ragu Pasta
Richly flavored duck ragu pasta is an excellent option for accompanying your bottle of Bruno; its richness counteracts the tannic structure while its gaminess helps bring out some hidden nuances from within.
20. Sweet Potato Ravioli
Sweet potato ravioli tossed in brown butter sage sauce provides great contrast between its sweet potato filling and nutty sauce, along with your bottle’s complex cherry notes, which provide another layer to enjoy
21. Venison Steaks
Succulent venison steaks grilled to perfection provide enough robust flavor to balance out your bottle’s earthy spice elements; plus, it pairs great off-dry fruits like cherries that tend to dominate full-bodied Brunello’s
22. Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder marinated overnight not only tastes heavenly but also creates harmony between your bottle’s sturdy tannins & spicy undertones while enhancing it at every sip
23. Baked Fish Fillet
A simple yet flavorful baked fish fillet dressed up with capers & lemon zest complements & highlights certain spices & oaky elements you can experience when tasting your bottle.
24. Bolognese Risotto
Combining creamy risotto rice & hearty bolognese sauce brings all elements from your bottle together as both components complement each other perfectly
25. Caprese Salad
Refreshing caprese salad made from tomatoes, mozzarella, basil & extra virgin olive oil not only adds freshness but also offers great contrast against any hinting fruit flavors coming from your bottle.
Find Out More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
26. Porchetta
Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish made with a whole pig, seasoned and cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender pairs perfectly with Brunello di Montalcino wines.
27. Beef Carpaccio
Thinly sliced raw beef served with olive oil, lemon juice, capers and Parmesan cheese makes an excellent starter to any meal paired with Brunello. (Recipe)
The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the carpaccio, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
28. Mushroom Risotto
The earthy flavors of mushrooms pair wonderfully with the bright fruitiness of Brunello di Montalcino wines.
A creamy risotto topped with Parmesan cheese makes an excellent accompaniment to any Italian dinner.
29. Tuscan Bean Soup
A simple soup made with white beans, tomatoes, garlic, and onion makes an ideal partner to a glass of Brunello. (Recipe)
The richness of the soup is balanced by the bright fruitiness in the winemaking for a perfect pairing.
30. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
This iconic Florentine steak is best served alongside a glass of robust Brunello di Montalcino wine. The bold tannins present in these wines cut through the fat in the steak making for an excellent flavor combination.
31. Polenta with Wild Boar Ragu
Slow-cooked wild boar ragu served over cheesy polenta pairs perfectly with a full-bodied red such as Brunello di Montalcino.
The richness of the meat is matched by the bold tannins found in this robust Tuscan wine creating an ideal flavor combination.
32. Gnocchi alla Romana
Gnocchi alla Romana is a pasta dish made with semolina flour, milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese and is a great accompaniment to any Italian meal.
The slight sweetness in the dish can be complemented by pairing it with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino.
33. Cacciucco
Cacciucco is a Tuscan seafood stew that is an excellent option to enjoy alongside a glass of full-bodied red, such as Brunello di Montalcino.
The wine’s bold tannins cut through the richness of this flavorful dish making for an ideal pairing.
34. Tagliata di Manzo
Thinly sliced steak served with arugula and Parmesan cheese make a great dinner option when paired with Brunello di Montalcino wines.
The slightly bitter salad greens complement the fruitiness of the wine, creating an excellent flavor combination.
35. Pappardelle Bolognese
Wide ribbons of pasta served in a rich tomato sauce make an ideal dinner entree to accompany any Italian red, such as Brunello di Montalcino.
The bright fruitiness in the wine helps to bring out the flavors in this traditional dish.
Learn More: Best Food to Pair with Rosé Wine
Wrap Up
With its robust and flavorful profile, Brunello is a wine that deserves careful selection when it comes to food pairings.
Whether you’re enjoying it with a meaty entrée or a velvety chocolate dessert, Brunello enhances the flavors of the food and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of vino, give Brunello a try with one of these classic food pairings and elevate your next meal to new heights.
Experiment with different options and find your perfect match. Cheers to delicious pairings!
FAQs
What flavor doesn’t go well with Brunello?
Brunello is generally a dry, full-bodied red wine with intense flavors of cherry, blackberry, leather and cigar box.
It is usually best paired with food that has strong flavor profiles as well, like mushroom risotto or beef stew. As such, bolder flavors like pineapple or mango don’t typically pair well with Brunello.
Sweet wines are also not ideal matches for this type of red wine. A better option would be to opt for a lighter-bodied white variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
However, if you do decide to try something sweet with Brunello, a late-harvest dessert wine such as Moscato can work nicely.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference when pairing any wine with food. Experimenting to find what works best for you is half the fun!
