Pairing Osso Buco correctly — a note on Chianti

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Osso Buco. I ordered it with Chianti and the fresh and herbal elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. Parmesan in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Italian cooking is intensely regional with little crossover between provinces. The a family trattoria in Rome is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Osso Buco with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.