CorkRules - Episodes | Brewster's Fish House

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Cape Cod where they review the wine list at Brewster’s Fish House. This contemporary seafood restaurant provides a bistro-style menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest available fare. And more importantly, they offer a stand-out selection of Old World and New World wines to complement the menu.

Wines reviewed include:

2018 Decero, Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
2019 Markus Huber Grüner Veltliner, Austria
2019 Château de Pierreux Brouilly Beaujolais, France

Transcript: Brewster's Fish House

Brewster Fish House:

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 Brewster Fish House. Located in Brewster, MA, this Cape Cod Bistro is open year-round for lunch and dinner and features the freshest seafood and local produce.

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

MQ: This is one of my favorite locations on the Cape. Their ever-changing menu will always impress. We have standout Old World and New World wines to add to your seafood enjoyment.

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

MQ: A wonderful place to begin would be the 2020 Lucien Crochet, Le Chéne Sancerre from the Loire Valley of France. Sancerre is the subregion of Loire and this sauvignon blanc boats bright acidity, aromas and flavors of grapefruit, and citrus with a mineral finish. A crisp, refreshing aperitif, or pair with soft cheeses and shellfish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: I find Malbec never disappoints. The 2018 Decero, Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina is an excellent consideration. While this red wine features bold, ripe red cherries, and blueberries with notes of black pepper, the soft, round tannins and smooth finish make this wine a perfect companion to richly sauced dishes and dense fish.

RT: 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 variety of fish selections, you may be interested in a slightly fuller-bodied white wine. One to consider would be the 2019 Markus Huber Grüner Veltliner from Austria. While this dry, white wine does feature notes of citrus, the standout aromas and flavors are of ripe green apple, pear, peach, with a slight note of honey on the finish. The Grüner Veltliner would pair beautifully with spice, or their cioppino.

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 eyeing a seafood and pasta dish, a red wine consideration would be the 2019 Château de Pierreux Brouilly Beaujolais. The Gamay grape is lighter bodied with aromas and flavors of red cherries, and plumbs with a touch of earth and oak on the finish. A perfect red to pair with fish dishes.

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: My go-to white wine for seafood and shellfish, especially oysters, is always Muscadet. The fact that it is of excellent value is truly a bonus. The 2020 La Berriere, Muscadet from the Loire Valley of France. Muscadet is a subregion of Loire and the white grape is Melon de Bourgogne. This crisp, dry, white wine is light and refreshing showcasing aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, green apple, with a mineral finish and hint of salinity.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: If you are admiring any of the richly sauced dishes on the menu, another winner in both the quality and value categories is the 2016 Ondarre Reserva from Rioja, Spain. With the Reserva designation, this Tempranillo has aged for a minimum of three years, with at least 12 months in oak. This bold, dry, red wine features ripe red cherries, blackberries, and cassis, with soft tannins and notes of vanilla on the finish, thanks to the time in oak.

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

MQ: Always an Old World fan, I would consider the 2019 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, from the Rhone Valley. Chateauneuf du Pape is a subregion of the Southern Rhone. Many wine enthusiasts may only be familiar with the red blends of Chateauneuf du Pape, however, this white blend of predominately Roussanne and Grenache Blanc is a conversation piece with each sip. The floral aromas of white flowers, with flavors of ripe pear, green apple, and peach, along with a slight mineral finish, make this white blend a wonderful companion to dense fish, such as tuna and salmon, as well as any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Brewster Fish House’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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