It’s no secret that an Italian dinner is one best enjoyed slowly, with nowhere to be. As with most things Italian though, there will always be an extra element of surprise to make the most of the occasion, even if that occasion is simply celebrating a Friday, the arrival of the weekend.  

We would recommend lifting your spirits to this surprise when sitting down for your next Italian dinner – the favourite aperitif or digestif.  

Here’s a bit of background: the aperitif is enjoyed before the meal, and is meant ‘to open’ the palate, preparing it for the flavour profiles that will be enjoyed during dinner. The digestif, served after the meal, is enjoyed not only for its own flavourful explosion, but for its benefits that aid in digestion.  

So, you see, an Italian dinner is not meant to be enjoyed in a rush, and enjoying one of the many liqueurs on offer at your local Lupa during this time is not a guilty pleasure at all, it is, in fact, almost a necessity.  

Here are some of our latest favourites available at your local Lupa: 

Grappa Veneta 

Enjoyed as either an aperitif or digestif.

 A tradition of the Veneto region, this quality Grappa has been recognised for centuries. Negroni produces this Grappa Veneta with the same passion as always, with a process that combines the continuous distillation into small copper stills. It has the soft tastes and all the captivating traditional scents that a fine Grappa displays. 

Disaronno Liqueur 

Enjoyed as either an aperitif or digestif.

Enjoying Disaronno Liqueur means you’ll be tasting over five centuries of history. The world’s favourite Almond flavoured Italian liqueur takes you on a journey of multi-sensory discovery, with its velvety smooth taste and unique aroma.  

Lift you spirits at your next Italian dinner, with your local Lupa and some of the world’s finest! 

View the full wine menu here: https://www.lupa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lupa-Wine-Menu.pdf  

Book a table here: https://www.lupa.co.za/make-a-booking/  

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With so much on the drinks menu to discover, we thought we’d narrow it down to sharing three of Lupa’s Cabernet Sauvignons from the “Rosso” selection, on their diverse wine menu. This coincides perfectly with the fact that today (2 September 2021) happens to be International Cabernet Sauvignon Day.

Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash

The world’s most popular red wine grape is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Sauvignon is loved for its rich and robust flavour and its ability to age well.

Food Pairing

The rich flavour of cabernet sauvignon makes it a perfect partner to rich, grilled meats, peppery sauces, and dishes with high flavour. We have a few on the Lupa wine list that we think you’ll love.

Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection

This is a very typical cabernet sauvignon that shows dark fruit on the nose that follows onto a textured palate with some red fruit and a soft and supple tannin profile that gives way to a long finish. Pairs well with the Lupa Gnocchi Fantasia – a decadent dish served with gorgonzola cream and Bolognese ragu.

Guardian Peak

Displays classic black current and ripe raspberry flavours with a hint of oak shavings. The concentrated dark fruits and milk chocolate flavours give the cabernet a powerful and elegant balance. This wine shows a wonderful structure for a wine best consumed at a young age. Pairs well with the Lupa Balsamic and Avo Fillet.

Warwick First Lady

Cassis & spice aromas, and full yet polished tannins from older oak make a satisfying & tasty get-together-with-friends kind of red. Pairs well with the Meat Lovers Pizza.

How will you be celebrating International Cabernet Sauvignon Day? We recommend booking a table at Lupa, where you can sit back, relax, and celebrate with a beautiful, rich, and flavoursome pizza, pasta, or fillet at Lupa while you sip one of their favourite Cab Sav’s. If you do join them on the day, ask your waiter to take some pictures of you at your table so you can post them to social media and join the cab sav trend. Don’t forget to tag Lupa (@lupa_osteria on Instagram and @LupaOsteriaSouthAfrica on Facebook) and use the hashtags #CabernetDay #CabernetSauvignonDay when you post.

What’s your favourite Cabernet Sauvignon? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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