What Wines to Order at Carbone

NYC has no shortage of must-visit landmarks. There’s The Cloisters, the Natural History Museum, and anywhere Macaulay Culkin went in Home Alone 2. But while the massive whale is impressive, and a room service ice cream sundae bar at The Plaza sounds delightful, the landmark that should be at the top of your hit list is Carbone. From maroon-tuxedoed servers flambeing bananas foster tableside, to the fact that those servers are referred to as “Captains,” there’s no restaurant in the city like this Italian spot in Greenwich Village. If you manage to snag a reservation, though, you’ll quickly realize that the scene is just a backdrop for the food and wine. To give you more time to decide between spicy rigatoni vodka and a tire-size slab of veal parm, we’ve taken a look at the wine list, and chosen the best glasses and bottles for (nearly) every situation.

Carbone's Wine List

What To Order When…

You First Sit Down.

A glass of Robert Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

You don’t need a special occasion to go to Carbone. Carbone is the special occasion. And as always, the best way to kick festivities off is with a glass of Champagne. This one, which is made entirely from chardonnay, is rich enough to enjoy on its own, and acidic enough to pair with the meatballs that absolutely need to be part of your order.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Robert Moncuit, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2013

The Best Deal on Carbone’s Wine List

Proprietà Sperino 'Uvaggio 2008

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Ovello’ 1971

Brovia Barolo ‘Garblet Sue’ 1988

You’re going to drop some money at Carbone, and you’re not going to regret it for a second. That’s especially true if you go with any of these Piemontese red wines.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Petterino, Gattinara Riserva 2008

The Best Old Wine on Carbone’s Wine List 

Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Riserva ‘Brunate’ 1989 

Montevertine Le Pergole Torte 1983 

Mastroberardino Taurasi 1968

Chateau Rayas 1985

Rinaldi, Montevertine, Mastroberadino, Rayas. These are some of the best producers on earth, and their wines stand the test of time very, very well. Carbone’s one of the best places in New York City to find old and rare Italian and French wines.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: G. Rinaldi, Barolo 1974

You’re On A First Date:

ArPePe Riserva Sassella 'Rocce Rosse 2007 

Il Paradiso Rosso di Montalcino 2018 

You chose Carbone as a date spot, so you’re off to a good start. If you want your stock to rise even higher, order this nebbiolo from the foothills of the Alps (ArPePe), or this sangiovese from the rolling hills of Tuscany (Il Paradiso). Look for lesser known regions for both value and deliciousness.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Stella di Campalto 'Fiorello' Choltempo NV

You Want An Affordable Crowd-Pleaser:

Il Paradiso Rosso di Montalcino 2018 

Rosso di Montalcino tends to represent great value, as it’s 100% sangiovese from the exact same region as Brunello di Montalcino, just not aged as long before release. This is the right pairing with spicy rigatoni too. 

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Caprili, Rosso di Montalcino 2018

You Usually Only Drink California Cabernet but Want to Try Something Italian:

Miani Rosso 2015 

La Spinetta Barbaresco ‘Campe’ 2004

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or more accurately, when eating tortellini al ragu and veal parmesan, drink Italian wine. There are several producers from Italy that make a rich, full body, and powerful wine that will remind you of California while sticking to what Carbone does best. 

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Tiberio, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018

You’re Looking To Ball Out, Because That’s What You Do At Carbone:

White: 

Benanti Etna Bianco ‘Pietramarina’ 2016 

Pierre Morey Meursault ‘Tessons’ 2018 

Red: 

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Ovello’ 1971 

Pertimali Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino 1988 

To some extent, you’re balling out just by being at Carbone. If you want to lean into it, though, these wines are worthy of any occasion.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Rare Red Burgundy Collection

Pro-Tip:

Order all the Rum at Carbone. It’s maybe the most thoughtful part of the whole restaurant. Aside from the floors– the floors are cool.