#316
Chiado
Latest Episode
- 5/6/23 | 5:46
About this Episode
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Chiado a Portuguese restaurant that offers an exciting selection of wines specifically from Portugal, and, in addition to wine, port which originates from Portugal. Michaela suggests wines from several different regions of Portugal, she describes the tasting notes and offers pairing suggestions, and even helps you find a stellar wine if you are on a budget and don’t want to compromise on quality.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2017 Quinta de Pellada, Quints de Saes Reserva
-
2018 Alves de Sousa, Branco da Gaivosa.
-
2016 Cortes de Cima Blend
Chiado:
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 Chiado. This Toronto restaurant showcases “Progressive Portuguese” cuisine in a bold and modern style. Open for lunch and dinner, Chiado is the place for corporate events, private functions, and special events.
Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?
MQ: Chiado features a number of Old World and New World classics, along with a stellar list of Port. We have an exciting selection of wines specifically from Portugal for you today.
RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?
MQ: Let’s begin with a red blend from the Dao region of Portugal with the 2017 Quinta de Pellada, Quints de Saes Reserva. This dry, medium to full-bodied red blend, made predominately of Touriga Nacional, showcases ripe cranberries, red cherries, with smoke, earth, and notes of vanilla on the finish from its time spent aging in oak. A perfect companion to savory dishes and lightly sauced proteins.
RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?
MQ: Heading to the Douro of Portugal, another red blend to consider would be the 2015 D. Graca Reserva. This full-bodied blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz features rich flavors and aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, white pepper, sage, and smoke. This is your got-to pairing for 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: We have noted a few great reds, now it is time to feature a standout white wine from Northern Portugal. Consider the 2018 Alves de Sousa, Branco da Gaivosa. This Malvasia Fina blend is medium bodied, dry, and features aromas and flavors of lime zest, mandarin orange, ripe melon, with notes of vanilla on the creamy finish due to the brief time in oak. Pair this white wine with shellfish and seafood.
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: Another red wine to note for the table is the 2010 Camplargo Baga from Northern Portugal. The Baga grape is bold, full-bodied, and features ripe raspberries and ripe plums with notes of lilac, licorice, earth and sage. The age has softened the round tannins on the long finish. Another perfect pairing for richly sauced proteins and pasta.
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: The region of Vinho Verde in Portugal brings us the 2020 Esporao Bico Amarelo. This light, dry, white wine showcases bright acidity and minerality with notes of citrus, ripe, green apple, with notes of white flowers and saline on the finish. This white wine of excellent quality and value makes a wonderful companion to shellfish, seafood, and soft cheese.
RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?
MQ: An excellent quality and value wine from Southern Portugal is the 2016 Cortes de Cima blend of Syrah, Aragones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, and Petit Verdot. This incredible red blend showcases aromas and flavors of ripe plum, fig, ripe blackberries, and cassis, with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish. A smooth, full-bodied red wine to pair with richly sauced proteins.
RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?
MQ: The 1975 Quinta do Noval “Nacional” Vintage Port of the Duoro Valley of Northern Portugal. Keep in mind that only 2% of port production ever reaches the quality to declare a vintage. Dating back to 1715, Noval has been known as an innovative producer of varying styles of port. This exceptional vintage exudes aromas and flavors of honey, figs, and raisins with vanilla and prune on the finish. Enjoy each sip as you extend your visit to Chiado and special occasion.
RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Chiado’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.
End
Want to request a Restaurant?
Interested in having a restaurant’s wine list featured in a future podcast episode? Let us know here.
Related Episodes
Sandbar
- 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- 6:1 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sandbar. A winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, this list features a beautiful selection of Old World and New World favorites. Michaela identifies the tasting notes of full-bodied reds, fresh bright Italian whites, Grand Crus and value wines, and offers pairing suggestions with a wide range of dishes on the menu.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Corey Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc Blanc, Long Island
-
2020 Villa Pozzi Grillo, Sicily
-
2018 Heritiers de Comte, Lafon, Burgundy
Mirabelle at Three Village Inn
- 150 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
- 6:59 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk tasting notes and wine pairings with a stellar selection of wines from Mirabelle at Three Village Inn. This restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and offers a truly cosmopolitan wine list, featuring wine by region and varietal. Michaela identifies the tasting notes on wines that must not be missed for the discerning oenophile and discovers a few gems for the adventurous wine lover, including a dessert wine from Greece and a beautiful white Bordeaux.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2017 Corte Pagliare Verdieri, Lambrusco Rosato “Ven Crud”, Emilia Romagna, Italy
-
2018 Domaine du Coulet-Matthieu Barret “Et La Banniere”, Crozes-Hermitage, France
-
2017 Charles Smith “Kung Fu Girl” Riesling, Washington
The Red Fox
- 6:44 min
Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Red Fox, a restaurant renowned for locally sourced, four-course dining with local wine pairings. They also offer Pub fare and an exceptional wine list. Michaela reviews the best wines on the list, including a Viognier that is a perfect companion to herb-roasted chicken and salmon, a Cabernet Franc that is an excellent pairing with herbed and savory dishes, and a remarkable blend of zinfandel, petit syrah, and Carignane.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Pollak Vineyards Viognier, Greenwood, VA
-
2021 Argiolas, Costamolino Vermentino, Southern Italy
-
2017 Gimenez Mendez, Alta Reserva Tennat, Uruguay
The Edge
- 109 N County Line Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States
- 6:32 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Edge in Jackson, New Jersey, offering a New American menu with subtle Latin and Asian influences. If you are uncertain of which wine pairs well with the subtle combination of spices and herbs, don’t worry, from seafood and sushi to pastas and proteins, Michaela identifies the wines that pair well with the dishes on the menu, and she points out a few unique bottles that will add to the table conversation.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2016 La Colombera, “Derthona” Timorasso, Piedmont
-
2017 Donnafugatta “Tancredi”, Sicily
-
2017 Bernhard Ott, Gemischter Satz, Austria
Gibbet Hill Grill
- 6:46 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the 500-acre farm-to-table restaurant Gibbet Hill Grill in Massachusetts. Set in an idyllic pastoral location, this is the place to come if you want to get away from the bustle of the city and relax. The menu is inspired by local, seasonal produce, and the wine list offers a fine selection of Old and New World wines. From rich full-bodied reds to creamy whites with notes of ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, Michaela shares the tasting notes and pairing suggestions that will help you make an informed, and impressive, choice of wine for your guests.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay Victoria, Australia
-
2018 Familia Torres “Gran Coronos” Reserva, Spain
-
2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul, Napa Valley
Strega
- 379 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
- 5:43 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Strega in Boston’s historic North End. Strega’s wine list offers renowned wines in half-bottle formats from both Old and New World, and, as classic Italian restaurant they offer a standout Italian selection, too. In addition to a few Super Tuscans and superior chardonnays, Michaela chooses wines that showcase ripe pear, cantaloupe, and lime zest, wines that feature bright acidity, ripe cranberries, raspberries, red cherries, cedar, clove, and cocoa, and wines that sing with notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, ripe peach, green apple, and grapefruit. If these wines don’t tickle your palate and take your dining experience to a new level, call the doctor. It’s time for a checkup.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Feudi di San Grigorio, Greco di Tufo, Italy
-
2019 Terrabianca Campaccio, Italy
-
2020 Colosi Nero d’Avola, Italy
1770 House
- 143 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA
- 6:36 min
Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at 1770 House in East Hampton. They have received the annual Wine Spectator Award of Excellence consecutively since 2007, and they offer high-end half bottles and magnums in addition to an extensive list of wines from around the world. As she reviews the list, Michaela identifies wines with bright acidity, lime zest, tropical fruit, minerality, with notes of saline on the almond finish; dried apricot, candied fruit, honey, and caramel, or how about a wine that features notes of plumb, fig, and ripe blackberries with notes of licorice and cola on the finish? To help you choose from this range of delicious choices, Michaela offers pairing suggestions that will help ensure the meal you choose pairs beautifully with the wine.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Domaine La Sufferene Rose, France
-
2013 Felsina Vin Santo, Tuscany
-
2018 Oremus “Mandolas” Dry Furmint, Hungary
Bricco
- 241 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
- 6:41 min
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:
-
2019 Super Tuscan Brancaia “Tre”, Tuscany
-
2020 Vesevo Falanghina, Campania
-
2019 Pojer y Sandri Muller Thurgau, Alto Adige
Tresca
- 6:15 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Tresca in Boston’s North End. This restaurant wins yearly recognition from Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice and Open Table’s Diners’ Choice. Their Italian dominant wine list also features crowd-pleasing New World favorites and Michaela takes us on a tour of Italy’s wine regions as she points out stellar wines from various vineyards.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Surrau Limizzani Vermentino, Sardinia
-
2019 Tenuta di Ghizzano, Tuscany
-
2016 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Amarone della Valpoicella, Veneto
Tuscarora
- 7:8 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Tuscarora Mill, affectionately known as Tuskies. While the cuisine here is classic American fare, the wine list offers an extensive choice of Old World and New World favorites, organic and biodynamic selections, and several, carefully selected local wines. Michaela kicks off the review in Italy, moves over to Spain, and continues the exploration of wines from France, Portugal, and Argentina; she also identifies a few exceptional local wines from Virginia.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Borgo Paglianetto Verdicchio, Marche of Italy
-
2019 Bodegas Epifanio Erial from Ribera del Duero, Spain
-
2019 Domaine Equis, Domaine des Lises from the Crozes-Hermitage
Use the QR Code or
click on Download to install!