Easter in Italy is the ultimate celebration of sharing and conviviality. As the first days of spring arrive, families gather around the table to savor the culinary wonders found from North to South. While it would be impossible to list every regional Easter specialty, we have selected a few iconic dishes to pair with specific wines that highlight Italy’s diverse winemaking heritage.

Torta Pasqualina and Carpineto Dogajolo Vermentino

Our journey begins in Northern Italy, specifically in Genoa, Liguria. This is the birthplace of Torta Pasqualina. Despite what the name might suggest to an English speaker (torta often implies a sweet cake), this is actually a savory "rustico"—a traditional flaky pie. It is filled with Swiss chard, field herbs, and a fresh local cheese called prescinseua (similar to a tangy ricotta). True to Easter symbolism, it features whole eggs tucked inside the filling to represent rebirth.

The dish has a distinct herbal aromatic profile and a subtle sweetness from the cooked greens. This pairs beautifully with a wine offering brightness and a smooth mouthfeel, such as our Dogajolo Vermentino. Its balanced floral notes and hints of Mediterranean herbs mirror the flavors of the pie, creating a refreshing spring pairing that elevates the Easter table.

Schiacciata di Pasqua and Carpineto Farnito Vinsanto del Chianti

Moving south into our home region of Tuscany, we find the Schiacciata di Pasqua. In Tuscany, the word schiacciata usually refers to a salty flatbread (focaccia), but during Easter, it takes the form of a rich, leavened sweet bread. The name comes from the traditional practice of "cracking" (schiacciare) dozens of eggs into a dough enriched with sugar, butter, anise, honey, citrus zest, and Vin Santo. To complement this dessert, we recommend our Farnito Vinsanto del Chianti DOC. This wine offers an extraordinary sensory experience; its intense bouquet ranges from apricot jam and honey to walnut husk and the aromatic floral notes typical of the Malvasia grape. Persistent, elegant, and fragrant, this Vin Santo is the natural partner for the Schiacciata, making for a truly memorable Easter finale.

Casatiello and Carpineto Spumante Brut

A cornerstone of Naples’ rich gastronomic tradition, Casatiello is one of the most beloved (and decadent!) savory breads of the Italian Easter. Shaped like a large ring or wreath, it is packed with local cured meats, aged cheeses, cracked black pepper, and—once again—whole eggs.

Due to its robust structure and savory intensity, the Casatiello requires a pairing that can cleanse the palate. A sparkling wine with crisp acidity is the ideal counterpoint. Our Spumante Brut is a sophisticated choice that is sure to please your guests. It is a refined, multi-layered sparkling wine that remains agile on the palate. With floral and fruity notes that evoke the scents of spring and a finish reminiscent of fresh bread crust, it is an elegant companion for the bold flavors of the Neapolitan tradition.