Classic Italian Comfort With a Decent Bottle
Telshor / East Las Cruces · Las Cruces · Italian
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 7, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Mi Piaci Italian Restaurant’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Mi Piaci is exactly what you'd expect from a warm neighborhood Italian spot — familiar names, Italian-leaning, and priced for a weeknight dinner rather than a special occasion splurge. Nothing here is going to surprise you, but nothing is going to embarrass you either. It reads like a list curated by someone who likes wine but isn't obsessed with it.
The list leans predictably on Italy and California, with recognizable producers doing the heavy lifting — Santa Margherita, Ruffino, and Masi are the marquee names here. That's not a knock; these are legitimate bottles that actually taste like what they're supposed to be. The range sits somewhere between 25 and 50 wines, which is enough to navigate without being overwhelming, though you won't find anything adventurous or off the beaten path. Gaps are noticeable — no real exploration of southern Italy, no Barbera, no Vermentino — but the core is honest and functional.
Eight to twelve pours by the glass at $9–$14 is a respectable range for a Las Cruces neighborhood restaurant, and the pricing keeps things accessible for a Tuesday pasta dinner. The selection stays in safe territory — expect the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio to be front and center. Rotation appears minimal, so don't bank on anything exciting showing up month to month.
Ruffino Chianti Classico — $12
Ruffino Chianti Classico by the glass in the $9–$14 window is genuinely solid value — this is a real Sangiovese from a real Chianti Classico producer, not a bulk Chianti masquerading as the real thing. Order it with the chicken parm and don't overthink it.
Masi Amarone
Most tables at a neighborhood Italian spot are going to default to the Pinot Grigio or the Chianti. The Masi Amarone is likely sitting on this list with minimal fanfare, but it's a legitimately serious wine — dense, dried-fruit-driven, and built to hold up to big flavors. It's the most ambitious bottle on this list and probably gets ordered least.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Santa Margherita is perfectly drinkable, but it's also one of the most marked-up names in Italian wine relative to what's actually in the bottle. It became famous in the '80s and has coasted on that reputation ever since. You're paying for the label recognition here, not for something that outperforms its price point.
Ruffino Chianti Classico + Pasta Carbonara
Chianti Classico's bright acidity and earthy Sangiovese character cut right through the rich egg-and-guanciale fat of a carbonara without steamrolling it. It's a classic Italian match for a reason — the wine and the dish were basically designed for each other.
The Bottom Line
Mi Piaci isn't a wine destination, but it's a reliable neighborhood Italian with a list that won't let you down if you know what to order. Grab the Chianti, seriously consider the Amarone, and save room for the tiramisu.
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