An Evening in Italy: Jonah’s Italian Wine Dinner Experience

On the 5th of June, Jonah’s invited us on a sensory journey across Italy without ever leaving the table for their first wine dinner in a series of 4 for 2025. Their Italian Wine Dinner was more than just a meal — it was a vibrant, immersive celebration of Italy’s regional cuisine and wines, from the sun-kissed coast of Sardinia to the volcanic soils of Sicily and beyond. Every course was paired with meticulously chosen wines that brought the evening to life in the most delicious way.

Welcome Bite: Canapé

We began the evening with a classic — mozzarella in carrozza, reimagined with crispy, golden layers encasing warm mozzarella, accented by sweet tomato and fresh basil, and a touch of nutty parmesan. This small bite packed all the comfort of Italian home cooking in one perfect mouthful — the kind that makes you slow down, savour, and smile.

First Course: “Cassola Sarda”

Our journey started in Sardinia with cassola sarda, a rustic seafood stew of snapper, vongole (clams), and squid infused with saffron. Fragrant and briny, it struck a perfect balance between elegance and the soul of coastal cooking.

The course came alive with two beautifully contrasting white wines:

• Jankara Vermentino di Gallura Superiore (Sardegna) – crisp, saline, with a whisper of citrus and wild herbs.
• Bosco de Medici Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco (Campania) – more textured and mineral-driven, with the kind of volcanic edge you’d expect from the slopes of Vesuvius.

Both were perfect counterpoints to the complexity of the seafood — refreshing yet structured.

Second Course: Tagliolini with Porcini, Chestnut, Shiitake, and Pecorino

Earthy and luxurious, the hand-cut tagliolini was rich with porcini and shiitake mushrooms, kissed with sweet chestnut and finished with aged pecorino. It was a deep, foresty dish — warm, umami-laden, and undeniably autumnal.

To drink:

• Pietradolce Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese (Sicily) – light-bodied but complex, with smoky cherry and dusty tannins, echoing the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna.
• Scala Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore Gaglioppo (Calabria) – a touch more rustic, with red fruit, dried herbs, and an old-world charm that made you want to linger over every sip.

Third Course: Braised Osso Bucco

The osso bucco was a showstopper — slow-braised to fork-tender perfection, paired with smoky eggplant, puffed barley, and a punchy mustard element that cut through the richness like a dream.

The wine pairing was perhaps the most dramatic of the night:

• Elena Fucci ‘Titolo’ Aglianico del Vulture (Basilicata) – powerful, structured, and brooding, this Aglianico was bold enough to stand up to the dish but nuanced enough to elevate it. Notes of dark cherry, leather, and earth wove seamlessly with the flavours on the plate.

Pre-Dessert: Orange Sorbet and Amaro Meringue

A palate-cleansing interlude that sparkled with citrus — orange sorbet paired with a whimsical amaro meringue that played bitter against sweet. It was refreshing, surprising, and downright fun — a clever nod to Italy’s love for bitter digestifs.

Finale: “Cassatelle Siciliana”

The dessert was nothing short of delightful — cassatelle, the fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta, studded with chocolate and golden raisins. Traditional, indulgent, and perfectly balanced.

For the final sip, a choice:

• Bissone Albana di Romagna Passito (Emilia Romagna) – a golden dessert wine with honeyed notes and a whisper of apricot, sweet but never cloying.
• Or, a bold twist: Citrange Amaro Limone dell’Etna (Sicily) – tart, bitter, aromatic — a lively way to close the evening on a high note.

Final Thoughts

The Italian Wine Dinner at Jonah’s was more than a tasting menu; it was an edible map of Italy — a lovingly crafted tour through its culinary heartlands. The wines weren’t just paired; they were curated with a deep understanding of place and flavour. From the bright coasts to the shadow of volcanoes, Jonah’s captured the magic of Italy in every bite and glass.

Bravo to the team for delivering a night that left us dreaming of ancient hillsides, salty breezes, and long Italian dinners under the stars. Until the next journey — salute! 🍷