Panzanella

Tuscan bread salad – wine and food light, summery and full of flavor

Wine with food is at its most refreshing with panzanella, the iconic bread salad from Tuscany. This classic wine and food pairing brings Mediterranean lightness to the plate: ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, aromatic basil and crusty country bread soaked in water and vinegar come together to create a colorful summer delight. Panzanella is an ode to the Italian zero-waste concept, as it gives new life to leftover bread and transforms simple ingredients into a culinary experience. The secret of panzanella lies in the harmonious interplay between juicy vegetable flavors, cool freshness and spicy, herb-accented finesse, reminiscent of balmy evenings and convivial get-togethers in the Tuscan garden. As a light main course or versatile side dish, panzanella reveals its full aromatic diversity and is the epitome of Mediterranean summer enjoyment.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG from Tuscany delights with its floral freshness, lively acidity and elegant minerality. The fine aromas of apple, pear, citrus and white blossom harmonize perfectly with the crunchy tomato, spicy basil and the light vinegar marinade of the salad. On the palate, Vernaccia has a balanced structure that elegantly frames the aromatic vegetable bed of the panzanella and charmingly highlights the salty, crusty bread notes. Its invigorating freshness and subtle spiciness ensure that every ingredient in the salad is supported and emphasized without dominating. The result is a perfect interplay that beautifully combines light summer enjoyment and authentic Tuscan grape variety characteristics.

Further wine recommendations for this dish

Vermentino di Maremma DOC (Tuscany, Italy)
Vermentino di Maremma brings sun-drenched freshness and aromatic complexity to the glass – exactly what Panzanella demands. The notes of grapefruit, green apple, white peaches and herbs harmonize wonderfully with the crunchy tomatoes and cool cucumber. Its mineral depth reflects the salty nuance of the bread, while a delicate herbaceousness supports the freshness of the basil. The fine fruity acidity underlines the vinegar note in the dressing and intensifies the lightness of the dish, while the low alcohol level makes the wine an uncomplicated but characterful summer partner. The interplay creates a relaxed rhythm of Italian lightness that makes Panzanella a special experience as a starter or main course.

Orvieto Classico DOC (Umbria, Italy)
Orvieto Classico combines elegance and animating freshness with a finely nuanced aroma reminiscent of pears, almonds, yellow flowers and subtle notes of white flowers. The moderate acidity structure balances the acidity of the tomatoes and offsets the fruitiness of the dressing. The delicate almond note on the finish combines harmoniously with the bread-like base of the salad, while the fragrance flatters the herbal aromas. The silky texture of this wine helps to harmonize all the ingredients and gives the summery bread salad length of flavour and a soft mouthfeel. Orvieto Classico thus presents itself as a versatile, confident accompaniment to light Mediterranean cuisine.

Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC (Veneto, Italy)
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie impresses with its neutrality, clarity and delicate fruit. Grassy notes, melon and light apple combine with a pleasant freshness on the palate. This balance makes it the ideal accompaniment to the complex but light panzanella – the wine does not compete with the acidic dressing, but rather skillfully captures the freshness of the tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. The gentle spiciness picks up the basil and pepper notes in the background, while the mineral vein provides a clean, refreshing finish.

Rosé d’Anjou AOC (Loire, France)
Rosé d’Anjou brings a charming balance of bright berry fruit, floral tones and restrained residual sweetness. Its pale red color and animating acidity highlight the Mediterranean aromas of Panzanella, while the light body and fresh style enhance the summery lightness. The aromas of strawberries and cherries create a fruity counterpoint to the acidic and spicy elements in the salad. The wine remains light on the palate and provides a well-rounded enjoyment experience that is colorful and versatile.

Assyrtiko (Santorini, Greece)
Assyrtiko from the Cycladic island of Santorini offers an impressive saltiness, cool minerality and citrus fruit, which Panzanella brings out to exceptional effect. Its pronounced acidity and intense freshness emphasize tomatoes, onions and the wine vinegar note of the dressing. The salty finish picks up the bread notes and prolongs the taste of summer on the palate. The nuances of sea salt, green apple and lemon zest give the bread salad depth and make the pairing a real pleasure trip to the Mediterranean heart of southern Europe.

The recipe: