di Paolo

The wine list at di Paolo lands exactly where you want it for a neighborhood Italian spot — Italian-forward, sensibly priced, and not trying to be something it's not. It's held an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator since 2017, and flipping through the list, that credential feels earned rather than ceremonial. This isn't a showboat list, but it's one that clearly had some thought put into it.

Italy drives the bus here, and rightfully so. You've got Barolo from Piedmont, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone della Valpolicella, and a respectable Chianti Classico Riserva program sitting alongside the heavy hitters — Sassicaia and Tignanello represent the Super Tuscan side without the list leaning on them as crutches. Alto Adige Pinot Grigio is a smart inclusion, showing they're thinking beyond the obvious Veneto pours. California Cabernet rounds things out on the New World side, keeping the crowd happy without overwhelming the Italian identity of the list. The gaps are minor: more Southern Italian coverage would be welcome, and the Burgundy representation is thin.

Ten to twenty pours by the glass is a solid program for a neighborhood restaurant of this size, and the $10–$18 range keeps it accessible. The Pinot Noir selection alone is surprisingly ambitious — Willamette Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Bourgogne all showing up by the glass is a genuine differentiator. Rotation doesn't appear to be especially active, but what's there is thoughtfully chosen.