Between the hills of central Italy, Tuscany stands as a bucolic paradise of great food and amazing wines. There, wine is more than just a drink, it’s the manifestation of a centuries-old culture that combines history, food, and lifestyle. So let’s embark on a one-day culinary journey from lunch till late night and discover the best Tuscan wines for every meal, along with their perfect food match. 

A Long History Of Winery

The history of Tuscan wines is as rich and complex as the landscapes that nurture them. Long before Italian wine became a global sensation, Etruscan and Roman vintners were the first to discover the potential of the region’s unique terroir – a magical combination of clay-rich soils, gentle Mediterranean breezes, and perfectly sloped hillsides. The results were wines that would in time become legendary.

Now, that history has passed down to expert viticulturists and wine makers who produce some of the most famous wines in the world: Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano have become real cultural ambassadors.

A Lunch with Pici Pasta and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Let’s start our journey with a real rustic combination, something that many Italians would eat as a home-made lunch: game ragout pici pasta and a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The wine’s structured tannins cut through the richness of the sauce and the meat, creating a harmony that feels like a warm Tuscan embrace. A warm, authentic experience full of taste. 

A Fresh Aperitif At Sunset With Red Wine Cocktails

Aperitif is at the base of the Italian slow-pace lifestyle. As the afternoon light softens on the hills, it truly is a happy hour and it requires a great drink. A good Toscana Rosso is the great base for a fresh wine cocktail that combines notes of fruit and spices: mix it with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice and some ice. To eat, local pecorino, pickle mushrooms, jams, and strawberries. And you are all set.

A Rich Dinner With Tuscany’s Staple

Dinner is a celebration, and nothing screams “Tuscan feast” like a perfectly grilled Fiorentina steak accompanied by a full-bodied Chianti Classico. There is a reason why these two are a staple: the wine’s bold character – with notes of dark cherry and subtle leather – stands up beautifully to the meat’s rich flavour, creating a dining experience that feels almost sacred. Each sip takes you back in time and tells a story of sun-baked vineyards and generations of winemaking expertise.

A Dessert With Classics

And just when you think the evening can’t get more magical, dessert arrives. Vin Santo, that golden nectar of Tuscany, transforms the simple act of eating into a moment of pure joy. Dip in it the crunchy cantucci almond cookies so they can absorb it: this is a ritual that connects you directly to generations of Italian tradition. The wine’s subtle sweetness and complex flavours dance on your palate, a final toast to a perfect day.

Published by HOLR Magazine.