Super Tuscans in a See-and-Be-Seen Setting
Hyde Park · Tampa · Modern Italian · Visit Website ↗
Updated September 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Forbici Modern Italian’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Forbici leans hard into its Italian roots, which makes sense for a modern Italian spot in Hyde Park's chic dining corridor. The selection feels focused rather than expansive—expect Super Tuscans and classic regional bottles without much adventure beyond the boot. It's the kind of list that won't surprise you, but won't embarrass you either.
The Italian focus is real here, with a clear emphasis on Tuscany and the usual suspects from Piedmont and Veneto. You'll find Super Tuscans like Tignanello and Antinori blends alongside Chianti Classico Riservas and a smattering of northern reds. The list skews traditional—no natural wine experiments or obscure appellations—which fits the upscale-but-accessible vibe. What's missing is depth: there's not much in the way of older vintages or small producers, and the markups reflect the neighborhood more than the actual quality. It's a safe play for a date night crowd that wants recognizable names.
The glass pour program appears limited based on the restaurant's size and approach—likely a handful of crowd-pleasing options that rotate seasonally at best. Expect a Pinot Grigio, a Chianti, maybe a Montepulciano, and possibly one Super Tuscan by the glass for those willing to splurge. The pours are functional rather than exciting, designed to keep the tables turning without requiring staff deep-dives into regions or vintages.
Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico — $52
Classic Sangiovese that drinks above its price point—bright cherry, good acid, and enough structure for their filet mignon without the Riserva markup
Allegrini Palazzo della Torre
This Veronese red blend gets overlooked for flashier Super Tuscans, but it's got dried cherry intensity and a subtle appassimento sweetness that crushes with their pizza
Tignanello
It's a legend, but at likely $180+ on this list, you're paying Hyde Park rent on top of an already-premium bottle—drink it somewhere with better markup
Fontanafredda Barolo + Filet Mignon
The restaurant's signature steak needs the tannic backbone and earthy depth of Nebbiolo—this pairing is textbook Piedmont meets American steakhouse
The Bottom Line
Forbici delivers a solid Italian wine experience without reinventing the wheel. The markups sting a bit for what you're getting, but if you're already dropping money on Hyde Park vibes and a nice filet, the wine won't let you down—it just won't blow your mind either.
Water Street · Tampa · Seafood, Steakhouse
Driftlight is doing something real here — a dedicated sommelier, a properly sized list, and a Wine Spectator credential earned in its first year of eligibility. Pricing will run hotel-restaurant steep, but if you're eating on Tampa's Water Street and want a bottle that was actually chosen by someone who cares, this is your best bet in the neighborhood.
Solid Range
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
· Tampa · Steakhouse
Bern's is a legend for a reason, and even this sparkling-focused slice of its list shows a house that genuinely cares about what's in the glass. The grower Champagne presence alone makes it worth a visit — just steer clear of the Korbel section and spend a few extra dollars where it counts.
Small but Thoughtful
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Proper
Tampa · Tampa · American
The Rez Grill isn't trying to be a wine destination, but it's doing the casino steakhouse thing better than it has any obligation to — a real sommelier, a Thursday half-price night, and a list that knows its lane. Come for the ribeye, order the Jordan, and leave before you hit the slots.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Occasional
Proper
SoHo · Tampa · American, Seasonal
Élevage is the kind of place that does California wine correctly without doing anything unexpected with it — the list is dependable, the setting earns it, and the Wine Spectator nod is deserved. Send a friend here if they love Napa Cab and a good steak; redirect the wine geeks to somewhere with more range.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Shore · Tampa · American, Steakhouse
Union delivers a reliable, California-heavy wine list that makes sense for a buzzy Tampa steakhouse with rooftop ambitions — just don't come looking for surprises. Send a client here; take a wine-curious friend somewhere else.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Tampa · Tampa · Seafood, Floridian
Ulele is a great restaurant that happens to have a competent wine list — not a wine destination that happens to serve great food. If you're in town for the waterfront, the smoked mullet dip, and a solid glass of California Chardonnay, you'll leave happy; just don't expect the list to keep up with the ambition of the kitchen. Wednesday's half-price wine night is genuinely worth planning around.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Proper
Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Modern Italian
This is an Italian-heavy list with a clear glass page, and the glass page is the easiest place to start. Begin with the Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico at 14|50, then go to the Piedmont and Super Tuscan pages if the table wants a bottle: Tignanello 2022 is listed at $325. Confirm prices and units, because the list doesn't label them. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Gold Coast · Chicago · Modern Italian
Start with the $14 Lunardi Pinot Grigio, or step into red with the Castello di Verduno Nebbiolo, posted at $18 - $72. Where a line shows a bare price pair, ask which number is the glass. This unrated guide covers the posted Sommelier's Highlights wines, not service, storage or retail markups, so confirm current availability and prices.
Alpharetta · Alpharetta · Modern Italian
Colletta's wine list punches well above its suburban strip-mall expectations — an all-Italian program with genuine depth in whites and a sparkling section worth lingering over. The markup is honest, the by-the-glass count is generous, and the producers skew toward the interesting rather than the obvious. If you're eating here, skip the red and let the white Italian side of the list do the work.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
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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