I think one of the reasons is that ordering red/white wine in Italy will get you something palatable. While it's certainly possible to order a house red or a ho

I think one of the reasons is that ordering red/white wine in Italy will get you something palatable. While it's certainly possible to order a house red or a house white at many places in the US, it might be undrinkable. So there's more of a need to specify. Similarly with coffee. If I order coffee in the afternoon in the US, chances are that I will get a pot that has been sitting on the hot plate for a couple hours. Specifying an espresso drink will at least ensure that it's fresh.