Marcellino Ristorante, a fine dining Italian restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, is the recipient of a highly coveted “Award of Excellence,” bestowed by Wine Spectator.

The award is given to restaurants that offer thoughtfully chosen lists, containing both quality and diverse selections that are compatible with the menu’s styling and pricing, according to a press release.

This is the first year Marcellino Ristorante applied for the award and the distinction comes with great excitement and pride, the release stated. The restaurant’s beverage program is directed by Chef/Owner Marcellino Verzino whose passion for creating a memorable meal and dining experience extends to finding the perfect wine pairing for his scratch-made dishes.

“We serve a discerning clientele that appreciates the finest cuisine and wine,” Verzino said in the release. “Proudly displaying the Wine Spectator ‘Award of Excellence’ will provide our guests an even greater confidence that our wine program is meticulously curated.”

Chef Verzino takes care in accumulating and presenting a wide range of Italian varietals, as well as a few selections from Champagne, France. The wine list highlights Amarone, Barolo, Brunello and Super Tuscans.

Marcellino Ristorante’s wine menu and reserve lists feature over 100 selections in addition to an exclusive “Secret Cellar” menu. This ultra-reserve list features a collection of rare wines that Chef Verzino has been accumulating for the past 20 years, according to the release.

Marcellino Ristorante designs the presentation of the menu and trains staff on wine to ensure guests have the proper knowledge and assistance. Additionally, guests are given the opportunity to learn more through regularly scheduled wine dinners, which are multi-course meals matched with the perfect wine pairing.

“We are proud to join the ranks of a community of restaurants that are passionate about the wine industry and showcasing the amazing dedication of winemakers,” Verzino said in the release.

Marcellino Ristorante is open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. The restaurant will be closed for a brief summer break beginning July 16 and reopens Aug. 3.

The restaurant is located at 7114 E. Stetson Drive in Scottsdale.

For more information, visit www.marcellinoristorante.com.