Wine is more than just crushed grapes; history, geography and family all make their way into the bottle, and on Thursday, March 15th you’ll have a chance to taste all three at Il Casale Lexington’s Josetta Saffirio Wine Dinner. The Saffirio family has been making wine in Piedmont for more than two centuries, and two members of the family, Sara and Marco, will be on hand during this four-course dinner to pour a little knowledge in with your wine while you enjoy a special meal from chef-owner Dante de Magistris. Each course is designed to complement the Saffirios’ northern Italian specialties, from a roast duck salad with Barbera d’Alba to a pan-seared ribeye with Barolo. Dinner is at 6:30, and a seat at the table is $75 (excluding tax and gratuity). Space is limited; call 781.538.5846 for reservations.

FIRST
Roast Duck Salad, dried cherries & pistachios, frisee greens, aged balsamic
’15 Josetta Saffirio Barbera d’Alba

SECOND
Caramelized Onion Risotto, Swiss chard and Parmigiano crusted lamb strudel
’15 Josetta Saffirio Nebbiolo

THIRD
Pan-Seared Sliced Rib-Eye, Brussels sprout “carbonara” and truffled potato cake
’12 Josetta Saffirio Barolo

FOURTH
Cheese Ensemble, baked Tomino with honey & walnuts, croque monsieur with speck & Fontina and grilled bruschetta with Castelmagno fonduta
Barolo Chinato