Gnudi (ricotta dumplings with spinach)

Tuscan lightness: wine and food with Mediterranean freshness

Wine with food means elegantly showcasing authentic dishes such as gnudi and harmoniously pairing them with the right wine. The typical Tuscan ricotta dumplings with spinach are a refined homage to the soul of ravioli – here the filling takes center stage. Tender ricotta, fresh spinach leaves and a hint of nutmeg form the creamy core, which is coated only in flour on the outside. Served with melted butter and crispy sage, it combines buttery, herbaceous and delicately spicy notes. The airy texture of the gnudi, the aroma of Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese and the Mediterranean lightness bring the interplay of wine and food to the point. This dish is suitable as a fine starter or as a vegetarian main course and invites you to enjoy and share.

Ideal wine accompaniment: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG underlines the characteristic lightness of Gnudi with its elegant freshness, subtle minerality and fine herbal spice. The juicy aromas of green apple, pear and citrus as well as subtle herbal accents merge with sage butter, spinach and ricotta to create a balanced, multi-faceted harmony. The clear acidity of the Vernaccia enlivens the dish without masking its subtle fullness, while the mineral notes provide structure and freshness. The elegant, dry style of the wine prevents a heavy accent, ensures a clean finish on the palate and enhances the creamy, slightly sweet flavor of the ricotta. This turns every bite and sip into an excursion to the summer hills of Tuscany.

Further wine recommendations for this dish

Gavi di Gavi DOCG (Piedmont, Italy)
Gavi di Gavi impresses with its delicate freshness, lively acidity and subtle almond notes. On the palate, fine aromas of citrus, green apple and white flowers are combined with a delicate minerality that perfectly underlines the lightness of the Gnudi. The crisp, fresh notes of the Gavi contrast with the creamy, buttery mouthfeel of the dish, while the minerality picks up on the herbaceous accent of the sage and extends it into the depths. The light almond note flatters the ricotta and Parmesan without being dominant. The result: a balanced, vibrant food pairing that showcases Mediterranean finesse and Italian noblesse in every bite.

Soave Classico DOC (Veneto, Italy)
Soave Classico, vinified from the Garganega grape, impresses with its freshness, fine fruit and a subtle floral note. The fragrant aromas of ripe peach, almond blossom and lime harmonize perfectly with the vegetal character of the spinach and the spiciness of the sage butter. The gentle structure and moderate alcohol content of the Soave prevent the wine from dominating the delicate ricotta curls. Instead, the aromas and texture of the dish are underlined, the acidity freshens up every bite and makes the pairing appear light, lively and summery.

Pinot Bianco Alto Adige DOC (South Tyrol, Italy)
Pinot Bianco from South Tyrol is known for its bright freshness, fine apple and pear fruit and spicy minerality. These characteristics lend the creamy ricotta notes a brilliant lightness, while the wine’s elegant structure subtly accompanies the buttery aroma and herbal notes. The elegant, dry finish never makes the mouthfeel of the Gnudi seem heavy, but subtly emphasizes the elegance and versatility of this classic. The balance of freshness, accessibility and depth makes Pinot Bianco a serious but uncomplicated choice for modern connoisseurs.

Chardonnay Bourgogne AOC (Burgundy, France)
A classic Chardonnay from Burgundy offers ripe citrus, pear and hazelnut notes, framed by a fresh, mineral structure. Its elegant fullness supports the creamy mass of the gnudi, while the gentle woody note spans a rounded arc over butter and herb aromas. The acidity is animating and the gentle body integrates perfectly into the dish. The waxy depth of the wine lends a ricotta-like finish without being overpowering – a pairing for connoisseurs that combines international elegance and Italian tradition.

Sauvignon Blanc Friuli DOC (Friuli, Italy)
Sauvignon Blanc from Friuli shines with expressive freshness, piquant herbal aromas and a typical grassy note. Gooseberries, green peppers and light elderflower are found on the palate, inspiringly complementing the spinach and ricotta duo. The wine’s pithy acidity brings zest and freshness to the buttery dumplings, while the vegetal aromas harmoniously frame the dish. The combination ensures modern clarity and animating liveliness and turns every course into a passionate homage to the Italian summer table.

The recipe: