Luigi's Italian Chophouse & Bar

The list arrives and it immediately makes sense for the room — dark wood, warm lighting, a menu heavy on veal chops and osso buco. Italy anchors the left side, California holds down the right, and nothing on here is going to confuse your uncle who only drinks Cabernet.

The Italian selections are the real draw: Brunello di Montalcino from Banfi or Antinori, Barolo from Prunotto or Ceretto, Super Tuscans like Sassicaia and Tignanello, and a Chianti Classico Riserva to round out the Tuscan heavy-hitters. This is a list that earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — it's been recognized since 2018 and the Italian spine shows why. California gets its due with crowd-pleasing anchors like Caymus and Jordan Cabernet, which will satisfy the steakhouse crowd without much argument. The gaps are real though — no meaningful Burgundy, Rhône, or Spanish presence — but for a Fayetteville chophouse, this level of Italian regional depth is genuinely impressive.

Twelve to twenty options by the glass puts Luigi's comfortably above average for a restaurant of this size and market. The price range of $8–$18 a glass is honest and accessible, though we'd love to see the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio rotated out in favor of something with a little more personality. No obvious rotation or featured pours program, which is a missed opportunity.