Chianti DOCG Riserva Is An Ideal Pairing for Baked Tomato Gnudi

Creamy gnudi bathed in rich tomato sauce deserves a wine that brings acidity, savoury depth and a hint of rustic charm — and that’s exactly where the Chianti DOCG Riserva 2021 from Italy shines. Wine expert Ollie Smith selected this classic Tuscan wine to go with the baked tomato gnudi, thanks to its vibrant acidity and earthy structure that elevate every bite of the dish.

Here’s what Ollie said about this Chianti on the program:
“We’ve got a Tuscan dish, so I’ve chosen a Tuscan wine — a bit of a classic pairing, really. Chianti with tomato sauce is just bang on the money. Chianti always has this wonderful freshness, that slight tang — just like tomatoes, which have high acidity. They’re great partners on the plate.

This one’s a real bargain, actually. It’s from Lidl, starting at about £5.69. The price might vary a little — maybe up a pound or so — but even under a tenner, it’s brilliant value. It’s DOCG level and it’s a Riserva, which means it’s been aged in barrel for two years and then bottled for at least three months. That gives it this lovely mellowness and gently savoury character.

Chianti’s a familiar name — it was almost like the first wine “brand” back in the 1700s. And for many of us, it’s nostalgic — remember those old wicker flasks in Italian restaurants? The raffia-covered bottles? They were called fiascos in Italian. Funny how that word now means a disaster, isn’t it?

But Chianti deserves to be thought of more highly again, especially a Riserva at this quality and price. It’s made from the Sangiovese grape, which naturally brings a savoury note that develops beautifully as the wine matures.

This one’s a 2021, so it’s had a bit of time to soften. That relaxed texture makes it perfect with cheese or something like soft gnudi. Honestly, tremendous value — wonderfully delicious.”

The Wine: Chianti DOCG Riserva 2021 — Italian Classic with Energy

Chianti DOCG Riserva comes from the heart of Tuscany, where Sangiovese grapes produce wines known for lively acidity, juicy cherry fruit and savory, earthy undertones. The 2021 Riserva carries a little extra maturity and complexity — it’s aged longer, lending finer tannins and deeper herbal notes without losing its bright core. At around £5.69 from Lidl, this wine delivers serious character at a genuinely everyday price point.

Expect aromas of sour cherry, plum, dried herbs and a touch of leather. On the palate, structured red fruit meets savory earth and spice — a profile that feels made for tomato-rich dishes.

Why It Complements the Dish — The Pairing Science

• Support the texture: Baked tomato gnudi are pillowy soft and subtly creamy. The Riserva’s firm, but fine tannins provide structure that supports this delicate texture without overwhelming it.
• Cut through richness: Tomato sauces can be rich and slightly sweet. Chianti’s naturally high acidity slices through that richness, refreshing your palate with each sip and keeping the dish lively rather than heavy.
• Echo and elevate flavours: Sangiovese’s savory herb and red fruit notes mirror the tomato and basil elements in the gnudi. That echo creates a harmony between food and wine that’s both satisfying and intuitive.

In short, the Chianti DOCG Riserva 2021 is a smart, spirited companion to baked tomato gnudi. Its bright acidity refreshes, its savoury depth complements, and its rustic charm lifts the simple elegance of the dish. At around £5.69 from Lidl, it’s one of those pairings that feels like a treat — without the fuss. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and enjoy how great wine can make great food feel even better.