The wine list at Bistro 22 is organized by region and grape, with both glass and bottle options across white, red, and rosé categories. That structure makes it easier to pair a glass with a specific dish, even without much wine background. Here is a practical way to think about it.
Start With Weight, Not Color
The old rule of white wine with fish and red wine with meat is a reasonable starting point, but it breaks down quickly on a menu like this one. A better approach is to match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. Light, high-acid whites work well with lighter dishes; fuller-bodied reds hold up against richer, fattier ones. Color matters less than body.
Pairing Suggestions by Dish
| Dish | Suggested Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cavatelli Bolognese | Chianti, Melini, Tuscany | A classic regional pairing; Chianti's acidity cuts through the richness of the ricotta and bolognese sauce. |
| Grilled Ribeye | Cabernet, St. Francis, Sonoma | A full-bodied cabernet stands up to the char and the brandy peppercorn sauce without being overpowered. |
| Herb Crusted Codfish | Sauvignon Blanc, Oyster Bay, New Zealand | Bright acidity and citrus notes complement the herb crust and blistered cherry tomatoes. |
| Chicken Marsala | Pinot Noir, Meomi | A lighter red with soft tannins pairs well with the mushroom and marsala wine sauce. |
| Tuna Tartar | Prosecco Treviso, Mionetto, Veneto | The bubbles and light sweetness balance the sesame soy vinaigrette and spicy mayo. |
| Braised Beef Short Rib | Meritage Blend, Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles | A structured, full-bodied blend matches the richness of a slow-braised cut. |
When in Doubt, Ask About the Glass Pour
Because the list offers small and large glass pours on most wines rather than only bottles, it is easy to try a pairing without committing to a full bottle. That is particularly useful for a table ordering different entrees, where one bottle rarely satisfies everyone.
If You Would Rather Have a Cocktail
The 22 Cocktails menu leans toward bourbon and tequila-based drinks with fresh citrus and herbal components, which tend to pair reasonably well with the same range of dishes as a medium-bodied red. The McCroskey, built on Larceny bourbon with cinnamon maple syrup and fresh lemon, works particularly well alongside anything with a smoked or barbecue element, echoing the char without competing with it.
For the complete list of wines, beer, and cocktails with current pricing, see the Wine & Cocktail menu.