At NOLA Eatery & Bar, we made a decisive choice early on: our wine list would pour exclusively Old World selections. No New World hedging, no safe regional comparisons imported for the margins. By centering our cellar around France and Italy, we offer wine lovers in Toronto’s East End a focused, uncompromised look at the absolute best of historic European winemaking.
Why France and Italy? The food prepared in NOLA’s kitchen shares these exact heritages. The natural acidity, moderate alcohol levels, and earthy terroirs of French and Italian wines are built specifically to accompany food. This guide is an in-depth, bottle-by-bottle journey through our curation to help you find your new favorite pour.
★ NOLA Star Picks
- White: Château de Mus Sauvignon Blanc (Languedoc, France) — Crisp, mineral-driven, and aromatic. A refreshing departure from tropical, sugary alternatives.
- Red: Merlot Veneto, Giusti (Veneto, Italy) — Soft, approachable, and unbelievably versatile. The perfect companion for both pasta and grilled meats.
Section One
The French Curation: Terroir & Elegance
French wine is legendary for its sense of place. Our French selections focus on the Languedoc-Roussillon and Loire regions, where warm Mediterranean sea winds and limestone soils produce exceptional balance.
Château de Mus Sauvignon Blanc
Languedoc, France · Glass & Bottle
Grown in clay-limestone soils, this Sauvignon Blanc is dry and mineral-forward. It replaces tropical sweetness with green apple, fresh lime zest, and a distinct flinty finish. Perfect as an opening glass.
Viognier, La Source
Languedoc, France · Glass & Bottle
A highly aromatic, textured white. It features heavy notes of fresh apricot, white peach, and orange blossom. Rich on the palate but balanced with clean acidity, it goes beautifully with cream sauces.
Pinot Noir
France · Glass & Bottle
A classic, light-bodied red. Ripe cherry and earth notes dominate the nose, followed by fine, soft tannins and subtle spice. Best served with a slight cellar chill, particularly alongside mushroom dishes.
Section Two
The Italian Curation: Structure & Character
From the sun-baked hills of Sicily to the structured limestone valleys of Veneto and Tuscany, our Italian selections offer deep, rustic character and remarkable food-pairing capabilities.
Grillo, Sibiliana
Sicily, Italy · Glass & Bottle
This ancient Sicilian varietal offers lime, melon, and sea salt minerals on the palate. Saline and zesty, it's the ideal selection for fresh oysters or grilled calamari.
Santomè Chardonnay
Veneto, Italy · Glass & Bottle
Entirely unoaked, this is a fresh, crisp expression of Chardonnay. Bright lemon blossom and green apple flavors are rounded out by a smooth, clean finish. Pairs wonderfully with simple seafood plates.
Merlot Veneto, Giusti
Veneto, Italy · Glass & Bottle
Soft, approachable, and full of dark plum, wild cherry, and leather notes. It features round, gentle tannins that complement a wide variety of savory dishes.
Chianti
Tuscany, Italy · Glass & Bottle
Sangiovese-based, structured, and dry. It displays classic tart cherry, dried oregano, and earthy clay notes with a firm, lingering finish. Ideal alongside rich tomato pasta dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Italy · Glass & Bottle
Full-bodied and bold, with heavy blackberry, dark plum, and cedar notes. The firm structure and high tannins demand a rich, savory red meat pairing.
The Showstopper
Amarone della Valpolicella (Tedeschi 2021)
Veneto, Italy · Bottle Only
Made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes that are carefully air-dried for several months before pressing, Amarone is the ultimate expression of Veneto winemaking.
The Tedeschi 2021 vintage is drinking beautifully right now. It offers rich layers of dark cherry liqueur, dried figs, sweet cocoa, balsam, and a long, warm, velvety finish. Ask your server to decant it at the start of your meal to let the aromas expand.
Terroir & Taste
NOLA Wine & Food Pairing Chart
To help navigate our cellar alongside our kitchen menu, use this quick pairing guide:
| Wine Style | Bottle Name | Best Food Match |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp White | Château de Mus Sauvignon Blanc ★ | Seafood, Light Salads, Goat Cheese |
| Zesty White | Grillo, Sibiliana | Grilled Calamari, Oysters |
| Aromatic White | Viognier, La Source | Pasta in Cream Sauce, White Meat |
| Elegant Red | Pinot Noir | Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Duck |
| Smooth Red | Merlot Veneto, Giusti ★ | Steak & Polenta, Charcuterie |
| Structured Red | Chianti | Tomato-based Pasta, Grilled Sausages |
| Showstopper Red | Amarone della Valpolicella | Aged Cheese, Filet Mignon, Game |
Wine Wednesdays & More
Book Your Table Journey
NOLA Eatery & Bar is at 1161 Queen St E, Toronto. Join us on Wine Wednesdays for special bottle curations, or book a date-night table.