Tuscany and Piedmont, Done Right in Plano
· Plano · Italian · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · August 27, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Lombardi Cucina Italiana’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
Walk into Lombardi and the room signals 'special occasion' before you even open the menu — white tablecloths, polished service, the kind of energy that says someone's about to order a bottle they'll regret at checkout. The wine list leans into that same energy: Italian-forward, with California filling the gaps, and price points that match the vibe more than the value.
The list anchors itself in Tuscany and Piedmont, which is the right call for a kitchen turning out handmade pasta, veal chop, and branzino. You're looking at the usual suspects from these regions — Chianti Classico, Barolo territory, maybe a Brunello for the spendy table — alongside California reds that feel more like crowd management than curation. It's not a bad list, but it's not a brave one either; the gaps in southern Italy and anything even adjacent to natural wine are noticeable. If you want something off the beaten path, this list isn't going to help you find it.
By-the-glass specifics aren't confirmed, but a room at this price point typically runs six to ten options — expect a Pinot Grigio, a Chianti, a California Cab, and a token white Burgundy at the top end. Whether there's any rotation or seasonal thinking behind the pours isn't clear, but the overall list energy suggests these slots are more about convenience than discovery.
The Bottom Line
Lombardi is a reliable dinner destination where the wine list does its job without embarrassing itself — or impressing you. Come for the handmade pasta and the room; just don't expect the list to steal the show.
· Plano · New American
The Mercury is a safe, competent wine list for a polished New American in Plano — you won't be stuck drinking something bad, but you probably won't discover anything new either. If you're here, the Allegrini Ripasso is worth the detour from the obvious picks, and we'd skip the Moët unless someone else is paying.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Plano · Healthy New American
Flower Child's wine program exists in name only — six unnamed pours between $9 and $10 tell you exactly how much thought went into this. If you're here for the grain bowls and good vibes, great. If you want to drink wine with intention, you're in the wrong place. Order a sparkling water and move on.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Plano · New American
The Henry is a reliable spot for a glass of something decent, especially if you're drawn to the by-the-glass Champagne options or want to explore the Chardonnay section without committing to a bottle. The markups run steep and the list doesn't take many risks below the prestige Champagne tier, but the raw volume of BTG options and a few genuinely good producers keep it from being a total pass. Come for the Larmandier-Bernier, skip the Ace of Spades.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Plano · Seafood
Urban Seafood Company's wine list is lean but intentional — the white-heavy selection is the right call for a seafood kitchen, and names like the Domaine de Chazette Sancerre and Kiona Chenin Blanc show there's some actual curation happening. It's not a destination wine list, but it won't embarrass you either. Order the Albariño, skip the Angeline, and let the food do the heavy lifting.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Plano · Italian steak and seafood
PaneVino North isn't trying to reinvent the wine list, and it doesn't need to — this is a solid, fairly priced selection for a suburban Italian steakhouse, with a surprisingly deep by-the-glass program and a few smart white wine picks that reward the curious. If you're looking for natural wine or a deep Italian cellar to match the kitchen's roots, you'll come up short. But if you want a reliable pour at a fair price on a Friday night in Plano, this list won't let you down.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
The Shops at Legacy · Plano · Pizzeria
Grimaldi's wine list is exactly what it needs to be for a pizzeria — recognizable, inoffensive, and Italian-leaning enough to feel intentional. Just don't expect anyone behind the counter to guide you through it, and steer clear of the California crowd-pleasers when the Tuscans are right there.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlanta · Italian
Nino's wine list is exactly what it looks like: a dependable, crowd-pleasing selection built for guests who want something familiar with their chicken piccata. The pricing runs steep in places — Korbel at $50 is hard to defend — but the Italian whites, especially the Gavi options, show that someone put at least some thought into this. Send a friend here if they want a comfortable, no-surprises dinner; don't send them if they're hunting for value or discovery.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Inman Park · Atlanta · Italian
Amore e Amore earns its stripes as a reliable neighborhood Italian spot where the atmosphere is the main event. If you're coming for a celebration dinner, you'll likely have a great time — just go in knowing the wine list hasn't been independently confirmed to be anything exceptional. Check the menu online before you go if wine is a priority, and when in doubt, ask your server what's Italian and under $60.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Italian
An Italian list dated 06.17.26 with 18 glass pours at 15 to 19 and full bottles from 60 to 970. Start with the Barbera d’Alba La Gemella at 15 a glass, or the Fontanavecchia Aglianico del Taburno from the chef’s Campania hometown at 17, and confirm prices because the list says they are subject to change. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.