Zula Restaurant
A neighborhood wine bar that earns its keep
Unknown · Cincinnati · Globally Influenced / Mediterranean · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The list at Zula feels genuinely considered — not an afterthought slapped onto the back of a food menu. You get Italy, Spain, Argentina, and California all pulling in the same direction: approachable, food-friendly, and priced like they actually want you to order a bottle.
Selection Deep Dive
The Old World backbone here is real. The 2016 Muga Reserva from Rioja and the 2017 Tenuta Poggio Il Castellare Rosso di Montalcino are the kinds of bottles that signal someone cared when building this list. Spain and Italy dominate, with a Chianti Classico from Albola and a Tempranillo from Calatayud rounding out the European side nicely. Argentina shows up with the Bodega Tamari Reserva Malbec, and California gets a seat at the table via La Storia's Alexander Valley Cabernet. The gaps are in white wine depth — the list leans heavy red, with a lone Pinot Grigio holding down the white side.
By the Glass
Specific by-the-glass counts aren't fully confirmed, but the price range starting at $6.25 suggests accessible pours are available. The selection mirrors the bottle list — expect the Italian and Spanish options to show up in the glass rotation. Nothing groundbreaking, but honest options for a weeknight dinner.
2016 Muga Reserva, Rioja, Spain — $28.75
Muga Reserva is a name that earns serious respect in Rioja — complex, age-worthy, and consistently well-made. At this price point, you're getting a bottle that would cost you $35-45 at retail and twice that at most restaurants. Easy yes.
2017 Tenuta Poggio Il Castellare, Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Most people cruise right past Rosso di Montalcino on a list like this and reach for the Chianti or the Malbec. That's a mistake. Rosso di Montalcino is essentially the younger sibling of Brunello — same Sangiovese-forward DNA, less oak time, more immediacy. This is the sleeper pick on the list.
2019 Delle Venezie, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy
There's nothing wrong with it exactly, but if you're at a wine bar with Muga Reserva and Rosso di Montalcino on the list, ordering a basic Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio is like driving a sports car to the grocery store and parking it. Save the pour for somewhere it makes sense.
2018 Albola, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy + Mediterranean-style braised lamb or roasted vegetables
Chianti Classico wants acidity and savory food to push against. The earthy, herb-forward character of roasted or braised Mediterranean dishes gives this wine exactly what it needs — and vice versa.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Zula isn't trying to be a destination wine bar, but it's doing more than most neighborhood spots bother to do. The Old World picks are legitimately good, the pricing is fair, and the Muga alone is worth the visit.
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