Mediterranean Wines Meet Fulton Market Energy
Fulton Market · Chicago · Mediterranean, Middle Eastern · Visit Website ↗
Updated March 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 8, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Aba’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Aba leans hard into its Mediterranean identity without feeling stuck in the Old World. You've got 150-200 bottles here, and the focus is clear: Greece, Italy, southern France, plus a California contingent that makes sense given the restaurant's West Coast DNA. It's not trying to be a wine bar, but it's also not phoning it in.
The Mediterranean focus is thoughtful—Greek wines get proper attention beyond the usual Assyrtiko, and there's enough Italian depth to pair with both the hummus and the heartier mains. Southern California shows up strategically, offering familiar comfort for diners who want something closer to home. The 150-200 bottle range feels right-sized: enough to explore without paralyzing choice. No glaring gaps, though we'd love to see more Lebanese or Turkish producers to push the regional storytelling further.
Twenty to 25 pours by the glass is solid for a restaurant this size, and the $12-18 range won't scare anyone off. The Verdelia Sauvignon Blanc from California and Kalokaíri Rosé from Greece show they're thinking beyond the obvious Pinot Grigio pour. We'd like to see more rotation here—the program feels set rather than dynamic—but the selection covers the bases for most of what's coming out of the kitchen.
Kalokaíri Rosé of Agiorgitiko/Moschofilero, Greece — $14
Greek rosé with actual character and body, not just summer patio filler—pairs with everything from whipped feta to grilled octopus
Kalokaíri Rosé of Agiorgitiko/Moschofilero, Greece
Most people skip rosé when they see 'Mediterranean restaurant,' but this Greek blend has more structure and interest than half the reds on the list
Giuliana Prosecco, Italy, NV
Generic Italian bubbly that adds nothing to the experience—if you want sparkle, push your server for something more regional or interesting
Verdelia Sauvignon Blanc, California + Whipped Feta
California Sauv Blanc brings bright acidity to cut through the richness of the feta, and the citrus notes echo the Mediterranean herbs
The Bottom Line
Aba isn't chasing wine nerds, but the list shows actual thought and ties to the food in a way that most Mediterranean spots in this price bracket don't bother with. Fair pricing, competent staff, and a selection that won't disappoint your Greek wine-curious friend.
Logan Square · Chicago · Italian
Come to Osteria Langhe for a focused trip through Piedmontese wine. Thursday’s advertised half-price selection is worth asking about, and Wednesday offers a wine pairing alongside the four-course menu. The linked wine list is dated December 2025, so confirm today’s bottles and prices before choosing.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Proper
Lincoln Park · Chicago · American Casual
Summer House is not a wine destination, but it's a reliable place to drink well enough without getting gouged on the low end — just steer clear of the big-name bottles where the markup climbs. Send your friend here if they want something easy and good; don't send them here if they're chasing something serious.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Chicago · Italian
il Carciofo is doing something genuinely rare: building a wine list that treats Italian regional variety as the main event, not the footnote. If you're tired of the same Pinot Grigio and Chianti Classico circuit, this is exactly where you should be eating dinner.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Chicago · Chicago · Steakhouse
STK Chicago is here to sell you a night out, and the wine list is just part of the set dressing. If you care about what's in your glass, eat here for the steak and order water.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Chicago · French Brasserie
La Grande Boucherie Chicago is a reliable wine destination for anyone who wants a French-focused list executed with genuine effort and the occasional smart value. The markups aren't shy, but the BTG program and specials take some of the sting out — go in with a plan and you'll drink well.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
· Chicago · Steakhouse
This is not the wine list you expect to find at The Palm, and that's exactly why it earns attention. Six bottles, zero filler, genuinely fair pricing — if someone's tending this list, they deserve a raise.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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