Delivering all the goods in Old Colorado City
At Pizzeria Rustica, one confident recommendation proved that the best bottles often begin with a simple question.
When the wine list reads like a foreign language, don’t panic, just ask.
It happened to me at Pizzaria Rustica in Old Colorado City. The wine list leaned heavily Italian, with regions and blends that might intimidate someone who doesn’t spend their days thinking about Sangiovese clones and IGT classifications. Instead of pretending I knew exactly what I wanted, I asked our server what he recommended.
He didn’t hesitate.
“The Sasyr Sangiovese-Syrah Blend IGT,” he said. “It’s the one I really like.”
Music to my ears.
When a server says, “This one is popular,” or “Everyone likes this,” I start thinking about ordering a Coke. Popularity isn’t a tasting note. But when someone tells you what they actually enjoy — that’s different — that’s ownership. That’s confidence.
Even better is when a server asks what you usually prefer. Do you like bold reds? Crisp whites? Something earthy? That simple exchange tells me the restaurant cares about guiding the experience, not just moving inventory.
Not every restaurant needs a sommelier on staff. Most at which I regularly dine, don’t have one. But when a team approaches wine the way Pizzeria Rustica does — with clarity and conviction — you feel it. The confidence carries through the entire meal.
And what a meal it is.
Their wood-fired pizzas are remarkably delicious. The menu is a thoughtful collection of small bites and salads. The antipasti selection is impeccable: Olives & Nocciole Al Forno: wood-fired olives and hazelnuts make the ideal starter. Polpette Al Fornothe three meatballs that are a blend of beef, veal and pork that are so tender they feel silky. The Fonduta: smoked mozzarella, made fresh and served with flatbread, is reason alone enough to return.
On a cold winter night, it’s my favorite place for a soul-warming dinner. And thanks to one confident recommendation, I know exactly what’s in my glass.
Thanks for the heads-up about Pizzeria Rustica and the wine. I've been needing a good excuse to head southward from Denver to take advantage of the wonderful "non-winter" weather we've been experiencing!