CorkRules - Episodes | Masraff’s Catch Steak

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and host Robert Tas cruise through the wine list of Catch Steak, a classic steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Catch Steak’s wine list offers an exciting opportunity to sample unique old-world and new-world wines in both large format and half bottles, and Michaela is here to help you find the wines that perfectly complement your dining experience.

Wines reviewed include:

Maison Belles Cotes "Les Caillottes" sancerre, Loire Valley, 2019
Terlato pinot grigio, Friuli, 2019
Renato Ratti "Ochetti" Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy, 2019

Transcript: Catch Steak

Catch Steak

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 list’s 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 Catch Steak. Globally inspired seafood and steakhouse with locations in NY, Aspen, LA, and Vegas. This is the place to see and be seen, all while enjoying an exquisite menu with a wine list to match.

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

MQ: Catch continues to update their incredible wine list. What doesn’t change, however, is the availability of large format and half bottles. They are always something to consider depending upon the size of your party, and varying palates. We have some unique and exciting old-world and new-world wines to feature today.

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

MQ: We will begin with a visit to both the old world and new world. Let’s first consider the Maison Belles Cotes "Les Caillottes" Sancerre, Loire Valley, France, 2019. Sancerre is the region in the Loire and this sauvignon blanc is exquisite. It combines all of the attributes of a dry, crisp white wine with bright acidity, citrus, grapefruit, gooseberry, with a hint of grass and herbs. A wonderful companion to light fish dishes, shellfish, and salads.

RT: That is making me thirsty! How about something from the new world?

MQ: Sure! I had the pleasure of visiting Elk Cove Vineyards a few years ago, and their pinot noir remains one of my favorites. This is the 2019 vintage, pinot noir grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This pinot noir has excellent body and structure. You will certainly notice the classic raspberry and cranberry aromas and flavors, but you will also enjoy the added spice, and long, smooth finish. This would complement roasted chicken, salmon, and tuna.

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: Let’s begin with the Terlato Pinot Grigio, Friuli, 2019. This round, medium-bodied white wine showcases aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, such as fresh peaches and apricots with a light, mineral finish. Seafood, grilled vegetables, cheese selections, would all be perfect pairings with this wine.

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: You bet! I would consider the Renato Ratti "Ochetti" Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy, 2019. A food-friendly, and crowd-pleasing red, this nebbiolo is another stand out with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries, ripe red cherries, plum, tobacco, with a hint of violets on the smooth finish. Any poultry, beef, or richly sauced dishes will make perfect pairings.

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: Here we have another personal favorite, a familiar producer to many of you, but a wonderful quality and value wine. The E. Guigal Gigondas, 2015 from the Northern Rhone of France. We have mentioned the importance of location many times, and this is another example. Gigondas is the neighbor to Chateauneuf du Pape. While you get to experience all of the same climate, soil composition for your grenache and syrah blend, you do not need to pay the Chateauneuf du Pape price. This blend is medium to full-bodied with aromas and flavors of cranberries, ripe red cherries, clove, with a note of licorice on the finish. Perfect for herbed dishes, meats, and rich sauces, all for an excellent price.

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: I couldn’t decide between two classics. The first, Orin Swift Mercury Head St Helena 2018 from Napa Valley. This flagship wine consisting of cabernet sauvignon from premier vineyards, along with a touch of cabernet franc and merlot, exudes plumb, ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis and cinnamon, with some toffee and coffee on the finish. The elegant bottle is viewed by the winery as art and conversation piece, which I’m sure you agree when it arrives at the table. A special selection from the best of vineyard locations. A wonderful addition to any celebration.

RT: That does sound like a wonderful addition. I’m curious to see what else caught your eye.

MQ: I have to mention the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2016 also from Napa. The finest grapes from each vintage of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, malbec, and cabernet franc are sourced from premier sites in Stags Leap and Oak Knoll districts. Bold tannins, blackberries, dark cherries, cassis, minerality, and coffee all add to the beauty and elegance of this wine. From the first sip, I’m sure you will agree with the 99-point rating from the Wine Advocate. Another exceptional addition to any celebration.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Catch Steak’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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