Ruffino wines and Italian-Caribbean cuisine shine at Delmare
Published:Thursday | April 10, 2025 | 12:09 AM
Italian wine house Ruffino made a stylish impression in Montego Bay last week by hosting a four-course pairing dinner at Delmare, Half Moon, that combined tradition, terroir, and evolving local tastes.
The event, part of Ruffino’s global Icon Tour, introduced Jamaican wine enthusiasts to some of the estate’s most celebrated labels, from the structured Riserva Ducale Oro to the vibrant Prosecco Rosé, all paired with a menu of Italian-Caribbean fusion cuisine.
However, beyond the pairings and setting, the evening signified something greater: a transformation in how Jamaicans drink, explore, and perceive wine.
“There’s a definite shift happening,” says Shannon McClure Delebarre, commercial manager for Constellation Brands in the Caribbean. “Jamaicans are exploring. They’re asking questions. They’re looking beyond sweet wines and discovering new varietals and blends, and Ruffino offers the perfect gateway for that discovery.”
Among the stars of the evening were the Riserva Ducale Oro, a rich and layered Chianti Classico, and Modus, a bold Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. These wines were paired with the menu by Chef Claudio Facchinetti, whose Italian roots and local inspiration created a culinary bridge between Tuscany and the tropics.
“The key is balance,” said Chef Claudio. “The wine should never overpower the food, and the food should never hide the wine. When both speak to each other – that’s the experience.”
One standout pairing was a deconstructed lamb lasagna, slow-braised in Ruffino Chianti and topped with parmesan foam – a dish as artful as it was flavourful. Another hit: the Wagyu striploin with modus, which earned rave reviews for its richness and restraint.
“That pairing was exactly what I love,” added McClure-Delebarre. “Big, bold, and beautifully balanced.”
But for Debra Taylor Smith, luxury portfolio manager at Select Brands, the evening wasn’t just about showcasing a label – it was about opening up a world of wine appreciation, one pour at a time.
“We’re not just selling wine. We’re creating experiences,” she said. “The Jamaican consumer is evolving; they’re curious, adventurous, and ready to go on a journey. Ruffino helps take them there.”
According to Taylor, Select Brands plays an important role in bridging the gap between international winemaking and local interest. Through events, education, and tastings, the brand has found ways to make luxury wine accessible without diluting its story. “You don’t have to be a sommelier to enjoy a good glass of wine,” she added. “You just have to be open to it. And that’s what we’re seeing more and more.”
Christian Bottegal, Ruffino’s international sales director, echoed that sentiment in his closing remarks.
“Wine isn’t about being serious. It’s about connection,” he said. “It’s about the land, the people, and the moments you create around a table. That’s the culture we want to share, and Jamaica is ready for it.”
As Jamaica’s relationship with wine continues to evolve, Ruffino is proving that the journey from vineyard to glass doesn’t have to be intimidating; it just has to be authentic.
“And that,” said Taylor, “is exactly what Ruffino delivers.”