Che Figata introduces Italian Winemaker dinner series

Italy-to-table is more than a tagline at Naperville's Che Figata as its new Italian wine dinner series gives participants an opportunity to meet the wine makers.

Che Figata's Italian Winemaker Series kicks off Jan. 30 with a Poggerino wine dinner

First up, in partnership with Vin Chicago, is Winemaker Piero Lanza of Poggerino Wednesday, Jan. 30. The menu and pairings are:

Calabrian Blue Crab Claws

• Poggerino Spumante Sangiovese Rose 2011

Octopus Bruschetta / pickled celery / blistered tomatoes / oregano / crostini

• Poggerino Spumante Sangiovese Rose 2011

Mini Calzone / nduja / whipped ricotta / arugula / pepperoni

• Poggerino "Aurora" Rosato Toscana 2017

Wild Boar Ragu / chocolate / porcini / pine nuts

• Poggerino Chianti Classico 2015

Rosemary Lamb Loin / dolce polenta / thumbelina / candy cane beets

• Poggerino "Bugialla" Chianti Classico Riserva 2015

Classic affogato with espresso and chocolate gelato

Tickets are $89 and available at Vin Chicago's website.

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For the second installment in its Italian Winemaker Series, Che Figata welcomes fourth-generation winemaker Elisa Scavino, representing the winery of Paolo Scavino, Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Elisa Scavino, 4th generation Italian winemaker comes to Che Figata Feb. 20

An historical winery in the Barolo region Paolo Scavino was founded in 1921 in Castiglione Falletto by Lorenzo Scavino and his son Paolo. Today the Family Estate is run by Paolo's son Enrico with his daughters Enrica and Elisa.

An extraordinary five-course menu is paired with Paolo Scavino's remarkable wines.

Veal Sweetbreads | Blanc Verjus and Charred Grapefruit Gastrique

• Paolo Scavino Sorriso, Langhe Bianco DOC, Chardonnay Blend, 2017

Risotto duo: Sweet Tomato Risotto | Langoustines | Radicchio + Parmesan and Gorgonzola Dolce Risotto | Wild Boar | Charred Broccolini

• Paolo Scavino Dolcetto d'Alba DOC, Dolcetto, 2017 & Paolo Scavino Langhe DOC, Nebbiolo, 2016, side by side

Porgy Puttanesca | Eggplant Caponata | Caviar

• Paolo Scavino Barbera d'Alba DOC "Affinato in Carati", Barbera, 2016

Trio of Ribeye | Potato Millefoie

• Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG, Nebbiolo, 2014 & Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG, Nebbiolo, 2014, side by side

Cheese Course

• Paolo Scavino Bric Dël Fiasc, Barolo DOCG, Nebbiolo, 2014

Tickets are $125 and available at Eventbrite.