CorkRules - Episodes | Anton's Anton's

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Anton’s, a cafe wine bar in East Village that celebrates iconic recipes from a bygone era, along with a variety of house-made pasta. Anton’s also provides a 550+ bottle-deep list, and upwards of 20 by-the-glass selections. With a list of that magnitude, a little help from the experts will help you find the right wine for your meal in addition to pointing out a few special bottles, including a spectacular vintage, rated 98 points by James Suckling.

Wines reviewed include:

Ciro Picariello, 906 Fiano di Avellino, 2019
Loimer Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, 2019
Pietracupa Taurasi, 2014 from Campania

Transcript: Anton's

Anton's

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT:

Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Anton’s, a café and wine bar located in the West Village featuring American cuisine and nostalgic recipes, all with European influence.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Their constantly evolving wine list of over 550 bottles is one to admire. We will be discussing a number of standout selections from around the world.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Anton’s offers incredible shellfish and cheese selections to begin your dining experience. With this in mind, I first noticed the Ciro Picariello, 906 Fiano di Avellino, Italy 2019. Fiano is medium-bodied white wine from Southern Italy that begins with bright acidity and offers flavors and aromas of melon, green apple, and peach with a mineral finish. There is a bit more weight to this white wine, so pairings with herbed chicken and salmon will be perfect as well.

RT: That’s a great start. Did any others jump out at you?

MQ: Another standout is the Loimer, Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Austria 2019. When you are looking for a wine to pair with vegetables such as asparagus and brussels sprouts, Grüner Veltliner is the way to go. This food-friendly, white wine with a bit of grapefruit and nectarine, also features aromas and flavors of white pepper with a mineral finish.

RT: That is for sure unique.

So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: With the tempting pasta and meat selections on Anton’s menu, we have to head to Italy for the Pietracupa, Taurasi 2014 from Campania. Taurasi is a sub-region of Campania in Southern Italy showcasing the Aglianico grape. This well-structured red wine features ripe black cherries, blackberries, black pepper, and finishes with flavors of earth and smoke with round tannins. Certainly, a must-try.

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: If you are looking for a slightly lighter red wine for the table, then you must try the Koehler-Ruprecht, Kabinett Trocken Spätburgunder, Pfalz, Germany 2018. Spätburgunder translates to “late ripening” and is similar to the Pinot Noir grape. Here we have the classic raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, while finishing with notes of earth and clove. A perfect companion to vegetables, roasted chicken, or duck.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: Absolutely! One to consider would be the Bodegas Valdesil, Sobre Lias, Spain 2014. This Godello, a light to medium-bodied white wine, offers aromas and flavors of fresh citrus, green apple, bright acidity, and finishes with notes of limestone. Perfect for cheeses and salads.

RT: That sounds great. Did any others catch your eye?

MQ: Of course! This wine would fit into many of our unique, stand-out, and must-try, along with well-priced categories. The Monje, Tradicional Tacoronte-Acentejo Listan Negro 2017 from the Canary Islands. The Listan Negro is a red wine that has been compared to a red Burgundy with all of the red cherry, strawberry, and clove. It also features a bit of black pepper and smoke on the finish. Perfect for pasta and dishes with richer sauces.

RT: For me personally…

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: One to consider would be the Giacomo Conterno, Cascina Francia Barolo, 2011 from the Piedmont Region of Italy. A spectacular vintage, rated 98 points by James Suckling, features all the classic characteristics of Nebbiolo by this incredible producer. The wine showcases sour cherries, raspberries, tobacco, earth, and a finish of lavender and rose. Truly a wine to savor for any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Anton’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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