Mediterranean Soul, Markup Could Use Some Work
Downtown Princeton · Princeton · Mediterranean and Italian-inspired · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 22, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Mediterra’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
Mediterra's wine list feels like it was built by someone who actually cares about the region — Spain, Italy, and southern France get real representation, not just token bottles. The warm, rustic-modern room makes you want to order a carafe of something and stay for hours. The list earns its place in this space, even if the pricing will make you do a little mental math.
The list leans into its Mediterranean identity with conviction — Rioja, Friuli, Rías Baixas, and Toscana all show up with actual producer names worth knowing, not just generic country bins. Bastianich Vespa Bianco from Friuli is a legitimately interesting white that most restaurants in this price tier wouldn't bother stocking. The Argentina presence (Crios Malbec, Santa Julia Cab) feels a bit like filler — fine bottles, but they don't push the Mediterranean narrative forward. Gaps exist in the southern Italian and Greek categories, which is a missed opportunity given the kitchen's direction.
The by-the-glass program runs an estimated 12-18 options, which is a healthy spread for a restaurant of this size. Prices land in the $12–$16 range, which is reasonable for Princeton but not exactly a bargain given what's being poured. Rotation appears static — this list reads like it hasn't been refreshed in a while, and there's no evidence of a seasonal glass program keeping things interesting.
La Cana Albariño Rías Baixas — $48
Yes, $48 for a $19 retail bottle stings a little, but Albariño is genuinely one of the best matches for Mediterra's seafood-forward menu — bright acidity, saline minerality, and enough weight to hold up to grilled octopus or any shellfish on the table. Among the markups here, this one at least delivers on flavor payoff.
Bastianich Vespa Bianco Friuli
Nobody at this table is ordering it, which is exactly why you should. A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Picolit from one of Friuli's most serious producers — it's aromatic, textured, and completely different from anything else on this list. Most diners here will default to the Albariño or a Cab; the Vespa Bianco rewards the curious.
Crios Malbec Mendoza
A 223% markup on a $13 grocery store staple is a tough ask. Crios is a perfectly decent, widely available Malbec that you've almost certainly had before — and at $42 a bottle here, you're paying Princeton real estate prices for a wine that belongs at a backyard cookout. Order literally anything else on this list.
Bodegas LAN Crianza Rioja + Grilled Octopus
Tempranillo-based Rioja Crianza has the acidity to cut through charred, smoky proteins and enough red fruit to complement the paprika and olive oil notes that typically come with Mediterranean octopus preparations. LAN is a reliable, classic Rioja house — this is the kind of pairing that makes the meal feel intentional.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Mediterra's wine list is doing more right than wrong — the regional focus is genuine, the selection has some real highlights, and the overall experience matches the room. But the markup math here works against you on several bottles, and without a dedicated wine program driving specials or glass rotations, it settles comfortably into reliable-but-not-destination territory.
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Fair
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