#373
Bricco
Latest Episode
- 8/11/23 | 6:41
About this Episode
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Boston’s North End to review the wine list at Bricco where guests enjoy Italian cuisine and a unique wine experience from the enoteca (wine bar) with an exceptional selection of all-Italian wines. Bricco is renowned for their great wine collection and signature cocktails all to be enjoyed in an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Wines reviewed include:
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2019 Super Tuscan Brancaia “Tre”, Tuscany
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2020 Vesevo Falanghina, Campania
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2019 Pojer y Sandri Muller Thurgau, Alto Adige
Bricco
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 Bricco located in Boston’s North End. Bricco features brick oven pizza and Italian classics with a modern flair.
Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.
MQ: Bricco features an enoteca, which is an automated wine bar, that showcases a number of their standout Italian wines. Today we are featuring a number of Bricco’s unique and classic Italian wine varietals.
RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?
MQ: You know I love a great sparkler. The first wine to catch my eye was the Galetto Aglianico Brut Rose from Puglia. This southern Italian rose sparkler consists of 100% Aglianico, and is dry and refreshing featuring notes of tangerine, citrus, strawberries, and watermelon with a deep salmon color. A wonderful way to kick off your dining experience and to pair with soft cheese.
RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?
MQ: A red that caught my eye was the standout Super Tuscan 2019 Brancaia ‘Tre’. ‘Tre’ in the name stand for the three grape varietals that make up this rich, Tuscan red. Consisting of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this medium-bodied red wine features soft tannins, fresh red cherries, raspberries, and cranberries, with notes of smoke and tobacco on the lingering finish. A classic red to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta.
RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?
MQ: There are several Italian white grape varietals to explore. One of the many to consider is the 2020 Vesevo Falanghina from Campania. Another beautiful southern Italian wine, the Falanghina grape is a perfect companion to shellfish and seafood. Boasting bright acidity, minerality, notes of citrus, lime zest, grapefruit, and ripe pear with a touch of saline on the classic almond/nutty finish, this dry and crisp white is truly 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 admiring the rich, classic Italian dishes on Bricco’s menu, consider the 2015 San Felice ‘Il Grigio’ Chianti Classico Grand Selezione from Tuscany. Chianti Classico is a sub region within Tuscany that produces exceptional Sangiovese. This 96-point rated wine is rich and full-bodied featuring ripe blackberries, ripe black cherries, and plumb, with notes of leather, smoke, nutmeg, clove, and a touch of lavender on the finish. Firm, round tannins make this bottle a perfect match for richly sauced proteins and pasta.
RT: Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind... any other great value wines you’d point us to?
MQ: A unique and delicious quality/value white wine from Trentino-Alto Adige in Northern Italy is the 2019 Pojer y Sandri Muller Thurgau. Most famous for its growth in Germany, this Italian Muller Thurgau features bright acidity, white flowers, honeysuckle, lemon zest, ripe peach, and dried apricot, with a dry, mineral finish. Another excellent selection to pair with shellfish and seafood.
RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?
MQ: Consider the 2019 Pertinace Nebbiolo from Langhe located in the Piedmont. This fresh and young Nebbiolo features round, soft tannins, ripe strawberries, ripe raspberries, and red cherries, with notes of earth, smoke, tobacco, and cinnamon on the lingering finish. The notes of baking spices, cinnamon in this instance, come from the wine aging in French oak. Pair this red with lightly sauced proteins and pasta, all for an excellent price.
RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?
MQ: While there are many options to take your dining experience to the next level, one wine to consider is the 2018 Gaja Winery Barabresco, located in the Piedmont. The Gaja Winery was founded in 1859, and several generations later, continues to produce stellar wine from their 250-acre estate-owned vineyards. This 98-point rated vintage consists of 100% Nebbiolo and is truly spectacular featuring ripe raspberries, and red cherries with notes of violets, lavender, and clove. This wine is well balanced with notes of almonds and hazelnuts on the soft, lingering finish. A welcomed addition to any special occasion.
RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Bricco’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 Michaela 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.
We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for and download the CorkRules app for ios. It makes personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to connect with friends and has price transparency. Order wine with confidence.
And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.
Thank you.
End
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