Anthony Gismondi: How to host an Italian dinner party, from the food to the wine

After all that, you’ll have saved enough to splurge and support a local restaurant next week. And check out our weekend picks for more Italian selections.

$23.99 | 91/100

UPC: 8010544110754

I have tasted many vintages of Costalamino Vermentino, but this may be the best yet. This respected Sardegna estate focuses on native varieties grown in cool, hillside vineyards about 190 meters above the Mediterranean. The ’25 has wonderful freshness and a mostly floral nose, with notes of lemon and ginger. The palate mixes quince and ripe stone fruit with a sweet tangerine finish. This wine pairs well with West Coast seafood, including squid, crab, clams and mussels. We enjoyed it with spaghetti carbonara.

$37.99 | 92/100

UPC: 810022275207

Franz Haas is a journey into the Dolomites foothills, where altitude and limestone meet. The colour is a light yellow. It offers a rich collection of cool aromatics, including pear and white flowers. The entry blends sweet pear with fresh, crisp lemon and apple, all washed in a saline mineral bath. A perfect sweet-and-sour balance ends juicy and begs for food — an impressive wine, but only available at Everything Wine.

$31.99 | 89/100

UPC: 8001014002587

The ’24 blend is 80 per cent Nerello Mascalese and 20 per cent Nerello Cappuccio, with a pleasant 13 per cent alcohol. The grapes grow organically at an impressive 650-750 metres in volcanic soil, which shows in its dried red berries and mineral, stony texture. Soft and round, it’s an easy-sipping youthful Etna Rosso. I like this with a tomato-based pasta with sausage or meatballs.

$32.99 | 90/100

UPC: 8016118101005

Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva celebrates Mazzei’s ancestors, who penned the first official document mentioning Chianti in 1398. The label is distinctive, sealed with wax that invites you to open it and view illustrations by young Florentine artists hidden inside. Ser Lapo begins with fragrant wild red fruits, forest floor and damp earth, followed by hints of leather and a mineral, saline finish. This gastronomic wine pairs well with any of your favourite Italian dishes.

$34.99 | 91/100

UPC: 8001935001362

The 2024 Pèppoli steps back to a more classic Tuscan style, with finesse dominating power in a vintage focused on freshness, fragrance and drinkability. Look for spicy red cherries and wild red berries, with earthy forest-floor notes. The textures are luxurious, and the palate opens with rich, fleshy black cherry and dense, chalky, sweet tannins. Polished in a way most Classicos are not. Elegant, stylish and, frankly, Antinori.

• The Victoria International Wine Festival runs Nov. 6–7 and combines large tasting-room events with seminars led by featured winemakers and industry experts. A highlight is “Discover Tedeschi Wines: A Taste of Valpolicella,” presented by owner Riccardo Tedeschi, on Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Since 1989, Riccardo has worked alongside his father, Lorenzo, blending generations of winemaking knowledge with modern innovation. With a passion for indigenous grape varieties and a commitment to elegance, balance and authenticity, Riccardo has helped shape the distinctive Tedeschi style. Discover the history, philosophy, passion and exceptional wines of this celebrated family winery as Riccardo personally guides guests through a tasting that showcases Valpolicella’s character. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at $52.50. You won’t regret attending.