The best wines to drink with chestnuts
Chestnuts are a symbol of autumn, ideal for family evenings or dinners with friends. Whether roasted, boiled, pureed or used to prepare typical dishes, chestnuts offer a unique, sweetish flavor that can be enhanced by pairing them with the right wines.
Let's discover together the best wines to drink with chestnuts, from the intense red varieties to the lighter and more delicate ones, to create the perfect pairing and make the most of this autumn fruit.
Red wines: the classic choice for chestnuts
I Red wines are often the ideal choice to accompany chestnuts, due to their structure and intensity that go well with the full-bodied, slightly sweet taste of the fruit.
- Dolcetto d'Alba
The Dolcetto d'Alba, a typical Piedmontese wine, is perfect with roasted chestnuts. Its red fruit notes, combined with its moderate acidity, accompany the intense flavor of chestnuts without overpowering it. This Red wine is great for those seeking a classic, balanced pairing.
- Barbera
La Barbera is another Piedmontese wine that pairs beautifully with chestnuts. Its round taste and red fruit notes blend perfectly with the sweetness of chestnuts, especially if they are prepared in puree or cream. In addition, the Barbera has a natural acidity that refreshes the palate, making it ideal for versatile pairing.
- Chianti
The Chianti, famous Tuscan wine, offers notes of cherry and spice that are excellent accompaniments to chestnuts, especially in savory dishes such as soups or risottos. Its structure makes it an ideal companion for chestnut and meat dishes, offering a balance of flavors that brings out the aromaticity of the fruit.
Wines Whites: lightness and freshness for delicate pairings
Not only the Red wines: whites can also prove perfect with chestnuts, especially when paired with more delicate or cheese-based dishes.
Here are the best ones:
- Vermentino
The Vermentino is a white wine with distinct freshness and flavor, with hints of citrus and flowers. This wine pairs well with boiled chestnuts or chestnut and vegetable dishes, as its acidity balances the sweetness of the fruit, creating a delicate but lingering harmony on the palate.
- Sauvignon Blanc
For those seeking a lighter pairing, the Sauvignon Blanc offers freshness and aromatic notes of exotic fruit that marry with the delicacy of chestnuts, especially when used in vegetarian dishes or side dishes. This wine lends a lively touch, creating an interesting contrast with the softness of the fruit.
Wines Sparkling wines: a touch of elegance for chestnuts
Sparkling wines can be a surprising and refined choice to pair with chestnuts. Le Sparkling wine, in fact, they add liveliness to the palate and make the combination with chestnuts lighter and more festive.
- Franciacorta Brut
Franciacorta Brut, with its Sparkling wine finesse and persistence, pairs excellently with chestnuts, especially in sweet preparations such as chestnut flour desserts. Its acidity balances the sweetness, offering a refined pairing for those seeking a sophisticated gastronomic experience.
- Prosecco Extra Dry
The Prosecco Extra Dry, with its fresh fruit bouquet, makes a harmonious match with roasted chestnuts or sweet chestnut dishes. Its freshness and delicately sweet aftertaste balance the earthy notes of the chestnuts, making it also ideal as an aperitif.
Wines raisins and desserts: the perfect choice for chestnut desserts
Sweet and dessert wines are ideal for enhancing the natural sweetness of chestnuts, especially when used in desserts. Some of the best pairings include:
- Vin santo
Vin Santo, a traditional Tuscan sweet wine, is perfect for accompanying chestnut desserts such as marron glacé, chestnut cakes or sweetened roasted chestnuts. Its notes of honey and dried fruit blend with the flavor of chestnuts, creating an enveloping and satisfying pairing.
- Moscato d'Asti
The Moscato d'Asti, with its characteristic aroma of peach and flowers, is an ideal choice for chestnut desserts. This sweet and slightly sparkling wine balances the smooth texture and sweetness of chestnut desserts, making for a pleasant and refreshing end to the meal.
Tips for the perfect wine and chestnut pairing
To choose the best wine to pair with chestnuts, consider these tips:
- Evaluate the preparation of the chestnuts: savory dishes go best with Red wines or dry whites, while desserts require sweet or sparkling wines.
- Experiment with contrasts: the acidity of white or sparkling wines balances perfectly with the sweetness of chestnuts, creating a fresh and pleasant mix.
- Consider the context: if it is an informal aperitif, opt for a light wine such as the Prosecco. For an elegant dinner, a passito or Franciacorta will offer a touch of sophistication.
Conclusions
Chestnuts are a versatile fruit that can be made the most of by pairing them with the right wines. From structured reds to crisp whites, via the Sparkling wine and sweet passito wines, each type of wine can enhance a different aspect of chestnuts, turning a simple dinner or an evening with friends into a tasteful occasion.
Try these pairings and discover the pleasure of enjoying chestnuts in the company of a good glass of wine!
