Atera

Atera:

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules! 

A podcast where we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Camila Alvarez, wine sommelier and consultant.

Bonjour Camila, it’s great to have you join our CorkRules Family from Paris!

CA: Hello Robert!

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

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list’s because we know from experience, that sometimes wine lists can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, 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 Atera New York….It has a great energy and wine list to match. Maria I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their extensive wine list?

CA: A long wine list, from France, USA, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain. They also have different vintages from the same producer which allows comparisons to be made. A remarkable proposal in this wine list is the sweet and fortified wines, I have not seen many wine lists with this specialty, and I find it incredible, all the methods of sweet and fortified wines are in this wine list.

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

CA: Well still I am surprised about the fortified and sweet wines from this wine list. The sherry wine from Equipo Navazos, “La Bota N. 24” is wine that was selected from the oldest fino solera, on average this wine has 20 years. As I expected, this wine is so complex in aromas, flowers, almonds notes, some toffee, a little bit of dry fruits.

RT: Ooohh those sound great.

So, Camila, their list seems to have lots of ways we could go but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

CA: This wine list is colossal, amazing and difficult to choose only one must try.

From the old world, I want to suggest an area of France that is not so famous, but that produce amazing wines. From Savennières AOP, this appellation is in Val de Loire, for white wines.

The wine is from Nicolas Joly, Les Vieux Clos 2019, it is one of the best in the Savennières sub-appellation, the golden colour and the aromas of anis, lime and honey are found in the mouth, this wine has a great potential of aging.

The amazing Chenin blanc in all the potential and Nicolas Joly is the pioneer in biodynamic wines, this wine is very different from other chenin blanc, there is no intervention in this wine, almost as natural wine. This wine is a must to try if you want to taste wines in different styles.

RT: So, this list has so many great choices, what other wines would you suggest for our second or third course?

CA: I would like to suggest another white wine, but from Willamette Valley from the Eyrie vineyards; the Eyrie 2018, chardonnay from Dundee Hills, It is a distinctive wine from Oregon.

Great chardonnay with similar aromas as burgundy chardonnay, vastly different from those of California. Aromatic, fresh flavours and easy to taste the minerality in this wine.

For the second course, I think great to taste some Greek wine, this country with a vast history in wine production and particular grapes varieties, it is an excellent choice for a second course. In the middle of the Naoussa region next to Macedonia, we found the wine producer Kir-Yianni and the magnificent Ramnista, Xinomavro 2004, this grape variety Xinomavro called “the acid-black” is the symbol of the Naoussa wine region and the most successful appellation in Greece.

About the wine, full-body wine with very soft and elegant tannins, the aromas of red grapes fruits like cherry and strawberry are one of the characteristics of this grape, maximum age potential of 9 years and it is great to with some cheese or white meat.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

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

CA: Great value and excellent quality wine is the wine from Cornas appellation called “Granit 30” 2017, from the producer Vincent Paris. This wine is produced only in 6 ha, and they produce in a sustainable culture. About the wine, is a 100 % Syrah, deep red colour with amazing notes of red and black fruits, black pepper and some hint of animal notes due to the oak aging. Great potential up to 15 years. A wine with a great value for money and amazing quality.

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

CA:   As this wine list is very large, it is a little bit difficult to choose only one. During a special dinner, I will go for a legendary winery in Italy, more exactly the Piemont, 6 Cappellano, Piè Franco, Serralunga d'Alba, 2016. This is a 100% Nebbiolo, this grape variety is like the pinot noir in terms of tannins and body, soft and elegant wine with notes of flowers like the rose and red fruits.

RT: Cabs are always a good call for me, especially with meats/steaks.  

CA: I 100 percent agree

RT: Camila Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Atera’s wine list. I can’t wait to go back and try your great suggestions.   

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.