Traditional Christmas Lunch Dishes in the Province of Siena
and Their Perfect Wine Pairings

Società Agricola Le Buche srl
News

In Tuscany, especially in the enchanting province of Siena, Christmas lunch is a revered tradition, an occasion where families gather to celebrate, cook, and enjoy a variety of rich, flavorful dishes passed down through generations. Siena’s holiday menu is unique, featuring seasonal ingredients and showcasing the region’s culinary mastery. Here is a guide to some of the most cherished Christmas dishes in Siena and the local wines that elevate each course.

1. Antipasto Toscano
The Christmas meal begins with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and crostini. In Siena, it’s typical to start with crostini di fegatini (chicken liver pâté on toasted bread), salumi (like finocchiona and capocollo), and pecorino di Pienza cheese.

- Wine Pairing: Chianti Superiore DOCG 2019
Chianti Superiore’s notes of cherry, herbs, and earthiness pair seamlessly with salumi, enhancing the dish’s complex flavors while adding a pleasant tannic structure that complements the richness of dish.

2. Primi Piatti: Pici with Tuscan Ragu
A hallmark of Sienese cuisine, pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta is often served with a hearty ragù. This dish brings together intense flavors, with the minced veal meat and Tuscan sausages, balanced by herbs and a slow-cooked tomato base.

- Wine Pairing: Le Buche DOC Orcia 2020
Questo vino, elegante e corposo, si abbina perfettamente al gusto del ragù toscano. Con le sue note di frutti rossi maturi e spezie, bilancia la sapidità del ragù e valorizza la complessità dei pici.

2. Tortellini with Capon broth
This dish is cherished for its comforting flavors and embodies the warmth of family traditions. The delicate tortellini, filled with a rich mixture of pork, prosciutto, and Parmesan, are cooked in a golden broth made from slow-simmered cappone (capon). The broth’s rich, clear flavor enhances the tender pasta, creating a harmonious dish that brings out the essence of Christmas in Siena.

- Wine Pairing: Coreno Orcia DOC White 2023
To complement the mild yet savory flavors of tortellini in brodo di cappone, makes an ideal pairing. This white wine is balanced in acidity, subtle mineral notes, and hints of dry fruits. Its freshness and crisp profile cut through the richness of the broth, enhancing the delicate flavors of the tortellini without overpowering them.

3. Secondi Piatti: Arrosto di Faraona e Cappone Ripieno or roasted mixture (pork, duck, guinea fowl, pigeon)
For the main course, Sienese families traditionally enjoy arrosto di faraona (roasted guinea fowl) and cappone ripieno (stuffed capon). Guinea fowl is tender and slightly gamey, while stuffed capon, filled with a mixture of herbs, sausage, and bread, brings warmth and richness to the table.

- Wine Pairing : Memento Riserva Orcia DOC 2015
The elegant structure of Memento, with its red fruit, tobacco and spice notes, matches the complexity of these meats. Its velvety tannins balance the tenderness of the poultry while complementing the flavorful stuffing.

4. Dolci: Panforte di Siena e Ricciarelli
No Sienese Christmas is complete without panforte, a dense fruitcake packed with honey, nuts, and spices, or ricciarelli, soft almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar. These desserts bring sweetness and nostalgia to the table, reminiscent of Siena’s medieval heritage.

- Wine Pairing: Vendemmia tardiva
Vendemmia tardiva dessert wine is amber-colored, sweet, and full-bodied, with nutty, dried fruit notes that enhance both panforte and ricciarelli. Its sweetness balances the richness of the desserts, creating a satisfying finale to the meal.

5- Digestive
Grappa is often enjoyed after a heavy meal because it aids digestion. The high alcohol content helps to stimulate digestive enzymes, making it easier for the body to break down rich or heavy foods. This traditional Italian practice, known as a "digestivo," also provides a warming and relaxing finish to a meal.


A Christmas lunch in the province of Siena is an experience steeped in tradition and flavor, with dishes that embody Tuscan heritage. Each course, from savory antipasti to sweet desserts, is an opportunity to savor the richness of the region. Paired with local wines, these dishes shine even brighter, making the meal a festive celebration of Sienese culinary artistry and the wine-making legacy that Tuscany holds dear.

Buon Natale e Buon Appetito!

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