carta dei vini
The English phrase "wine list" is carta dei vini in Italian.
The term refers to a list of wines available at a restaurant or bar. In an Italian restaurant, you can ask for the wine list by saying La carta dei vini, per favore.
Meaning: list of wines available at a restaurant or bar (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carta (card/menu), dei (of the) and vini (wines).
Which one should you use?
While carta dei vini is the standard term, menu dei vini is also understood, though it is less common in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vini is the plural form of vino (wine).
Did you know?
- The word carta originally referred to papyrus, which is why it is used for a wine list today. This connects the modern menu to the ancient Greek word khártēs.
- In high-end Italian dining, it is common for a dedicated sommelier to present the carta dei vini rather than the waiter who serves the food.
- In traditional family-run Osterias, the carta dei vini may not exist as a physical object, with the host providing the selection entirely through oral description.
Examples in context
- Ecco la carta dei vini.Here's the wine list.This sentence shows how to present the carta dei vini.Tatoeba #5508781 by Guybrush88, translation #4792244 by CK
- Mi piacerebbe vedere la lista dei vini rossiI would like to see the red wine list
- Posso vedere la carta dei vini?Can I see the wine list?
- La carta dei vini è molto ampia.The wine list is very extensive.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are sitting at a restaurant table.
- FrancescoChiara, vuoi guardare la carta dei vini?Chiara, do you want to look at the wine list?
- ChiaraSì, portamela pure, Francesco.Yes, go ahead and bring it to me, Francesco.
- FrancescoQuale vino preferisci scegliere?Which wine do you prefer to choose?
- ChiaraPrendiamo un rosso della casa.Let's have a house red.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, dei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
