
Some Italian cooks would never combine cheese and seafood, but feel free to grate a little Pecorino Romano over the striped bass before serving. "In Puglia, fish and cheese go together," says Donatella.
An Italian Primitivo (a red varietal similar to Zinfandel) would be great with the fish and the pasta. Donatella prefers Primitivo di Manduria, a fruity, spicy style of red produced in Manduria, which is a city (as well as an area) in southern Puglia. She suggests the 2007 Feudi di San Gregorio Ognissole Primitivo di Manduria (Italy, $18), a balanced wine with aromas of cherries and strawberries and a spicy finish. If you can't find that specific bottle, look for the 2007 Vinosia Salento Primitivo (Italy, $10), a juicy, fragrant red wine with honey notes.