Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Aged sheep's milk cheeses like Manchego, Pecorino, or Ossau-Iraty typically develop complex flavors ranging from nutty and caramel to lanolin and savory umami, with a pronounced tanginess that can vary from mild to sharp. The right pairing should either complement the cheese's richness while cutting through its fattiness (like acidic wines) or harmonize with its nutty, caramelized qualities (like oxidative wines or malt-forward beers).

Tuscan bean soup (ribollita or zuppa toscana) features earthy cannellini beans, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and often kale or cavolo nero in a rustic, hearty broth. The earthy, savory flavors call for wines with balanced acidity and subtle earthiness, while beers with moderate body, slight spice notes, and cleansing carbonation complement the soup's richness without overwhelming it.