Wine & Drinks — Maria's List
Maria chose every bottle on this list herself. She's been studying Italian wine for twelve years. She'll also tell you which one to order if you just describe what you're eating.
The Italian wine list at Nonna's Kitchen isn't enormous. That's on purpose. Maria would rather have twenty bottles she knows well than a hundred she doesn't. Every wine on this list has been tasted by her personally, often multiple times. She picks producers she trusts — small importers, natural winemakers, family estates.
If you're not sure what to order, ask your server. Maria has written pairing notes for every dish on the menu. If she's in the dining room, she'll come to the table herself. Also — remember that BYOB Tuesdays are a thing here. No corkage fee. Bring your favorite bottle.
Read more about Italian wine basics and Maria's favorite picks in our Italian Wine Guide.
Sparkling
Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOCG — glass $12 / bottle $44
Dry, light, with fine bubbles. Peach and white flower on the nose. This is what Maria puts in front of you when you sit down. It works with everything on the antipasti menu.
Franciacorta Brut DOCG — bottle $65
Italy's answer to Champagne, made the same way. Brioche, green apple, fine mousse. A step up from Prosecco. Worth it for a special occasion.
White Wine
Vermentino di Sardegna — glass $13 / bottle $48
Crisp, saline, a little bitter on the finish in the best way. Maria pairs this with the branzino and the gamberi. Also excellent before dinner with nothing at all.
Soave Classico — glass $11 / bottle $42
Garganega grape from Veneto. Almond, white peach, a clean mineral finish. A very Italian white wine — not trying to impress, just very good to drink.
Greco di Tufo DOCG — glass $14 / bottle $52
From Campania — Nonna Rosa's home region. Full-bodied, volcanic minerality, stone fruit. Pairs beautifully with the pasta dishes and the secondi.
Red Wine
Chianti Classico DOCG — glass $15 / bottle $55
Sangiovese from Tuscany. Sour cherry, dried herbs, firm tannins. The classic Italian red. Works with the ragù, the pizza, the secondi. Maria's most-recommended bottle by a wide margin.
Barolo DOCG — bottle $95
Nebbiolo from Piedmont. This needs time to open — Maria recommends ordering it when you sit down and letting it breathe. Tar, roses, dried cherry, leather. Pairs with the osso buco or the bistecca. A special-occasion bottle.
Primitivo di Manduria — glass $13 / bottle $49
From Puglia. Big, dark fruit, a little wild, great with the cinghiale ragu and the polpette. Maria describes this as "the one for people who think they don't like Italian wine."
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo — glass $12 / bottle $44
Medium-bodied, dark cherry, soft tannins. Great value, very food-friendly. Good for a Tuesday night when you just want a glass of red with your cacio e pepe.
Beer, Spirits & After-Dinner
Italian Craft Beer — $7
Rotating selection of Italian and Texas craft beers. Ask your server what's on.
Amaro Selection — $11 each
Averna, Montenegro, Cynar, and Fernet-Branca. All served neat. Order one after dessert and sit with it for twenty minutes. That's how this works.
Grappa — $14 each
Two selections — a young grappa and an aged barrique grappa. Served in a small tulip glass. Not for everyone. Definitely for some people.
Limoncello — $9
House-made. Served ice-cold. Anthony makes a batch every two weeks. Intensely lemony, not too sweet. The proper way to end dinner on a warm Austin evening.
Come in and let Maria pick your wine.
Tue–Thu 5–10PM • Fri–Sat 5–11PM • Sun 5–9PM