How to Crack the Wine List at Tucci's

While working for one of Florida's largest wine merchants, Bruce Abbott was exposed to a whole new world of labels from around the globe. When he moved home and became wine steward at Tucci's in 2012, Abbott had a mission. He tripled the restaurant's cellar to more than 300 labels, bolstering selections from Bordeaux, Northern Italy and Napa Valley-three of his favorite growing regions, the latter of which complements chef Michael Koenig's California cuisine. Last year, the cellar's breadth earned Tucci's aWine SpectatorAward of Excellence-but it can also overwhelm. Here, Abbott narrows the options, recommending three of his favorite late-summer bottles.tuccisdublin.com

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese($37)

"It's a beautiful patio wine," Abbott says. "It has a light to medium body. Not too heavy. It can't go with red meats, but it has some very nice round edges that go with seafood."

Paras Vineyard Syrah($63)

"I've been championing syrahs for a while," he says. "They can be overlooked. It's jammy and has spice. It has these specific characteristics because the vines are [grown] on a mountainside in Mount Veeder, Napa Valley."

Inglenook Cask Cabernet Sauvignon($70)

"This is a classic,"he says. "Nice fruit. Big, round, long finish. It has good acid and tannins and goes with so many things because it's not overpowering-just a little lively."

Sweet Deal!

From 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday, diners at Tucci's can enjoy any bottle priced at $100 or less for its retail price.