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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas tune in to Frasca in Boulder, Colorado where they explore wine for all occasions including hanging in the mountains or after skiing down the slopes. Grace checks out the champagne list, and, amongst other divine bottles of wine, finds a stellar white from this list that offers wines from many regions of Italy, including Umbria and Fiulli, and varietals that offer their own unique and subtle notes.

Wines reviewed include:

2016 Bereche et File Beaux Regards
2020 Foradori from Alto Adige
2004 Brunello di Montelcino from Cerbaiona

Transcript: Frasca Food and Wine

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. Alright, Grace – what fabulous spot are we chatting about today?

GH: Well, we are diving into a wine list that came as a request from one of our listeners. Today we’ll be chatting about the selections at Frasca in Boulder Colorado.

RT: Sounds great. Now I know you spent some time working in the wine scene of Colorado, correct?

GH: That is correct Robert! I was a sommelier in Vail for the 2018 ski season. And I’ve spent time in lots of other parts of Colorado – Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver Aspen, Steamboat etc. they might not be able to grow grapes, but Colorado people definitely love to drink good wine.

RT: Love the sound of that. Sancerre in the snow. Merlot in the mountains.

GH: Amen to that Robert!

RT: Hahah alright should we jump into the Frasca list?

GH: Let’s do it! They have a lovely international mix of wines, but they specialize in the área of Fruili in Italy. So, we’ll def be seeing some unique Italian wines on the list.

RT: Bellisima

GH: Prego Roberto haha starting off with bubbles. If you’re feeling a classic champagne, you could go with the Chartogne Tallier Brut Rose or the 2016 Bereche et File Beaux Regards. And if you wanted an Italian sparkling, they have the Scarpetta Brut Rose from the owner of Frasca himself, Bobby Stuckey

RT: Oh yeah Bobby is famous in Boulder, correct?

GH: Indeed Robert! He kind of put Boulder on the map as a foodie town. And has since added winemaker onto his resume.

RT: He sounds like you Grace – having your hand in every part of the wine industry.

GH: Totally! Knowledge is power as they say.

RT: Alright moving on from sparkling. What are you thinking for some light white selections?

GH: Well we definitely have to highlight from Fiuili wines. My picks would be the 2019 Borgo de Tiglio Fruiliano. As well as the 2018 Kante Malvasia.

RT: Mmm I can taste the acid and the citrus from all the way here in Connecticut. Wine really does transport you all over the world, doesn’t it?

GH: It certainly does Robert. It’s so simple yet so complex.

RT: What else is looking tasty in the whites section?

GH: Well, it’s not an Italian list without some pinot grigio. I’m digging the look of 2020 Foradori from Alto Adige. Also interested in this 2020 Vintage Tunia from the classic Italian producer Jermann.

RT: Yum both of those sound great. Now how about some Italian chardonnay?

GH: Reading my mind Robert! I would go with either the 2019 from Borgo de Tigli, or the 2020 from Ronc Platat

RT: Great choices Grace. Thanks for that. Alright, have we come to the main event? Italian reds?

GH: Ain’t nothing to it but to do it! Starting off with some light pinot nero, I would go with the 2017 from Fruili Colli Oreientalli. And then if you wanted something with a bit more weight on it, they have a 1999 le Macchiole Syrah from Bolgeri.

RT: Oh, wow we don’t drink nearly enough Italian syrah. Move over France haha

GH: I know right? I’m super curious about that one. And speaking of curious, I wouldn’t turn down this 2001 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, or this 2006 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selectzione.

RT: Oh, wow neither would I. Those both sound killer. Thanks for pointing those out, Grace. Alright what are you thinking for our listeners who like something big bold and tannic?

GH: Oh man they have a 1994 San Leonardo from Gonzaga, or a 2004 Brunello di Montelcino from Cerbaiona.

RT: Grazi Mille! Grace - thank you so much for helping us navigate the Italian wine list at Frasca. 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.

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