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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head south to Santa Monica where they review the wine list at Fia Steak. This wine list complements a menu of steakhouse classics, featuring the finest U.S. cuts of beef sourced from local farms, as well as handmade pastas, and fresh fish, and did we mention they offer some of the world’s best bubbles? Grace reviews a few bottles of bubbles, wines from the Mediterranean coast, and an old-world pinot favorite.

Wines reviews include:

2017 Garofoli Verdicchio, Italy
2020 Paul Pernot Puligny Montrachet
2017 Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve from the Willamette Valley

Transcript: Fia Steak

Fia 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 Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

GH: Hey Hey 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. So today Grace and I are reviewing Santa Monica hot spot, Fia Steak. What are your thoughts Miss Sommelier?

GH: I love Santa Monica, and always excited to discover new tasty places to dine in one of my favorite LA neighborhoods, and Fia Steak is no exception!

RT: Totally! So what approach are they taking with the wine list?

GH: They’ve got a nice diverse list. Easy to navigate good representation of countries, styles, price points.

RT: Fantastic. Shall we start with bubbles as always?

GH: Twist my arm why don’t you Robert haha they’ve got a nice little selection of classic champagnes – Tattinger, Krug, Moet and Chandon. But what really caught my eye was this 2002 Billecarte Salmon. That would be like starlight in a glass!

RT: Gosh that’s so poetic! I love it. Now where would you steer us in the whites?

GH: If we're looking for light and aromatic, I would do the 2017 Garofoli Verdicchio from Italy, oh wait, or they have 2 selections for Albarino as well as vinho verde! All those would be crispy, clean and mineral-driven, and great values as well.

RT: Sounds like we’ll be tasting the Mediterranean coastline

GH: yes exactly Robert! Honestly, sometimes when I drink those style wines, I feel like I’m licking the side of a sea wall. In a very hygenic way of course haha just so salty and refreshing!

RT: I would like to see that Grace hahah what about something richer maybe for our chardonnay drinkers?

GH: If you’re thinking French chardonnay, I’m feeling this. 2020 Paul Pernot Puligny Montrachet Or if you're a big buttery cali chardonnay drinker, go with the 2019 Dumol from Sonoma.

RT: Chardonnay all day is the new rose all day hahah

GH: Hey, as long as it’s chilled, I’m in!

RT: Now where would we start on reds Grace?

GH: With my favorite as always Robert – pinot noir! American pinot I'm going with a personal favorite, 2017 Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve from the Willamette. Or if you wanted an old-world pinot. This 2013 David Duband Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru is calling my name

RT: If wine could talk, what would it say?

GH: Depends on the wine! Most reds would prob say “I need more time” and whites would say “I’m ready to go!”

RT: We would need translators for the old-world wines haha what else caught your eye in the reds?

GH: Well I do love a red blend as well as pinots, and they’ve got some fun domestic ones on the list that I’ve had before. This 2016 Jonata Fenix from Santa Rita Hills out of the central coast of California would be nice and juicy. And then heading on the total opposite side of the world, they have a 2010 shiraz malbec blend from the Wendourre vineyard out of the Claire Valley in Australia. Would be really interested to see how the tannins and spice have mellowed out in the bottle after a decade or so.

RT: I can totally see that. How is the cabernet selection looking at Fia Steak.

GH: I mean it is a steak house after all so they’ve got some bangers as the kids say hahah they’ve got a 1994 Della Valle from Napa that is dying to be decanted. Or could go with French 1994 Pauillac from Château Pontet Canet.

RT: 28-year-old cabs? Sign me up! Now on such a good list, there must be some great value bottles…

GH: They sure do! This 2020 Vermentino from Sardinia would be refreshing and affordable. And in reds look no further than this 2020 Bourgogne from Domaine Pillot

RT: Old world wines for a new world restaurant. What would you recommend for a special occasion bottle?

GH: They sure do! For a really unique white from a legendary producer, go with the 2018 Gaja Chardonnay. And then switching it up for red, gotta be the 2004 Harlan for my cali cab drinkers

RT: Amazing! Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Fia Steak. 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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End