Zocalo
Solid pours, tacos, zero pretension
Old Colorado City · Colorado Springs · Mexican · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 9, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Zocalo isn't trying to impress you — and that's actually fine. It's short, approachable, and tilted toward the kind of bottles that work with chips and salsa without making you do homework. This is a margarita-first room, but the wine program pulls its weight without embarrassing itself.
Selection Deep Dive
Twenty-odd bottles spanning Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Italy, and California — it reads like a well-curated supermarket aisle, which is meant as a mild compliment. The South American lean makes sense here: Malbec and Cab from Argentina and Chile have an affinity for bold, spiced food. There's no real old-world depth, no Rioja, no Rhône, nothing that would make a wine nerd linger. But Portillo Pinot Noir and Piattelli Malbec are honest producers doing honest work, and that counts for something.
By the Glass
Six-plus options by the glass in the $10–$14 range is a reasonable spread for a casual Mexican spot. The selection mirrors the bottle list — you're choosing between familiar, food-friendly whites and reds rather than anything adventurous. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here, so don't expect seasonal surprises.
Portillo Pinot Noir — $14
Portillo from Mendoza punches well above its price class — bright red fruit, enough structure to handle enchilada sauce, and zero fuss. At glass price, it's the most interesting pour on the list.
Pine Ridge White Blend
A Napa white blend on a Mexican restaurant list is an odd duck, which is exactly why most people walk past it. Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier base has the floral lift and acidity to cut through rich, cheesy dishes in a way the Pinot Grigio can't.
Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon
Murphy-Goode is a reliable grocery-store Cab, but it's the least interesting pick on a list that already has better red options from South America. Nothing wrong with it — just nothing right with it either.
Piattelli Malbec + Tacos
Piattelli's Malbec has the dark fruit and soft tannins to stand up to grilled meat fillings without steamrolling the toppings. It's the natural handshake between Argentina's signature grape and whatever's coming out of that kitchen.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Zocalo isn't your wine destination — it's your Tuesday taco spot that won't make you drink bad wine. If you're not ordering a margarita, grab the Portillo or the Malbec and call it a solid night.
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