Coastal Italian with More Chablis Than Expected
Downtown · Nashville · Italian Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated September 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 2, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Carne Mare Nashville’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list leans Italian-forward with predictable Tuscans and Piedmont classics, but there's more depth in the whites than you'd expect from a steakhouse. It's organized by region, which helps, but the markup stings on familiar bottles we've seen priced better elsewhere.
The Italian section runs deep through Barolo, Barbaresco, and Super Tuscans—exactly what you'd expect from a place called Carne Mare. But the surprises live in the white wine section: solid Friulano options, some skin-contact stuff, and a respectable Chablis selection that suggests someone on the buying team actually drinks white wine with red meat. French offerings are competent but safe—Bordeaux and Rhône selections that won't offend anyone or wow anyone. The California section feels like an afterthought, mostly Napa Cabs at prices that make you wince.
The glass pour program rotates seasonally but doesn't take big swings. You'll find a Pinot Grigio, a Chianti, maybe a Nero d'Avola if you're lucky. Pours are generous and the staff will talk you through options, even if they're reading tasting notes off a card. Expect 8-10 options with a couple of sparkling choices that work well with crudo.
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera d'Alba — $52
Bright, food-friendly Barbera that doesn't try to be Barolo—pairs with everything from pasta to ribeye without demanding attention
Gravner Ribolla Gialla
Orange wine on a steakhouse list? Someone's paying attention—the texture and tannin actually hold up to heavier dishes better than most whites
Any Napa Cab over $120
The markup on California cult bottles is brutal here—you're paying 4x retail for names you can find cheaper at any wine shop
Chablis Premier Cru, William Fèvre + Branzino al Forno
The minerality and acidity of premier cru Chablis cuts through the olive oil and lemon while matching the fish's delicate texture—this is the move
The Bottom Line
Carne Mare delivers a solid Italian-leaning list that does its job without trying to be the main event. The markups are steeper than we'd like, but the variety is respectable and the staff tries hard, even if they're still learning.
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
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Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
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Set & Forget
Proper
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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The wine list here is an afterthought dressed up with four surprisingly good dessert wines. Come for the steak, order water or a cocktail through dinner, then let the back half of this list redeem itself.
Grocery Store
Acceptable
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Davio's Reston is a reliable wine destination if your expectations match the room — it's a steakhouse wine list, not a wine bar list. The by-the-glass breadth saves it, and a few smart picks like the Pieropan Soave keep it from being totally forgettable.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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