How to Host a Homemade Valentine’s Dinner: 3-Course Italian Menu with Wine Pairings
Transport yourselves to the romantic countryside of Italy this Valentine's Day. Picture the sun setting, the table laid with your best crockery and the rich flavours of Italy coming to life in your own kitchen. What better way to celebrate than by creating a memorable three-course dinner together? This curated menu of Italian favourites is sure to impress.
Pre-Dinner Aperitif - Pinot Negroni
Start the evening with a unique twist on a classic cocktail. Emanating beauty and elegance through its simplicity, the negroni stands as one of the simplest cocktails to craft. Its uncomplicated recipe follows a balanced 1:1:1 ingredient ratio, blending the bitter-sweet mix of Italian Campari, vermouth, and gin. The addition of our pinot noir gin brings a delicious and innovative flair to this old school favourite.
Entree - Bruschetta
A well known crowd pleaser, bruschetta is a delicious, yet simple entree. Begin with crusty, artisanal bread slices, toasted to golden perfection. Rub each piece with a clove of fresh garlic, imparting a subtle yet aromatic undertone. Next, generously spread ripe, diced tomatoes atop the bread, drizzling them with extra-virgin olive oil for a luscious touch. Garnish with fragrant basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt. We recommend enjoying this dish with a glass of the 2023 Singlefile Great Southern Semillon Sauvignon Blanc for its high acidity and herbaceous notes, which complements the zesty flavours of bruschetta. Another great pairing option is our 2023 Singlefile Great Southern Vermentino, affectionately referred to by the Singlefile team as the ‘romance’ wine. Its north-west Italian grape origins easily conjure up images of sipping wine while enjoying views of a mediterranean sunset.
Main - Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto and Gremolata
One of Phil Snowden’s favourites, the rich and succulent flavours of Osso Buco paired with Saffron Risotto and Gremolata are sure to be a show stopper. This classic Italian dish, originating from Milan, features tender, slow-cooked beef shanks bathed in a savoury broth infused with aromatic herbs and tomatoes. The meat becomes irresistibly tender, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Accompanied by saffron-infused risotto, perfectly al dente and exuding a golden hue. The final touch is the vibrant gremolata—a zesty medley of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, helping this dish achieve a sublime balance of textures and tastes. Phil recommends the 2022 Singlefile Single Vineyard Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon to be paired with this dish.
Dessert - Torta Della Nonna with Lemon Custard
Cap off your intimate Valentine's Day dinner with a sweet delight – Torta della Nonna with Lemon Custard. This delightful Italian dessert showcases a buttery and crumbly pastry shell filled with velvety lemon-flavoured custard. The simplicity of the ingredients allow the vibrant citrus notes to shine, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and toasted pine nuts, each slice is a heavenly treat that captures the essence of traditional Italian baking. The best part? This dessert can be prepared in advance to save yourself a little time on the night. Simply cut a slice and enjoy with some limoncello or a glass of 2022 Singlefile Family Reserve Chardonnay.
We hope this menu provides you with everything you need for a beautiful night celebrating love.