#58
Freemans
Latest Episode
- 6/4/22 | 4:52
About this Episode
In this episode of CorkRules, wine educator and certified sommelier Grace Hood and Robert Tas visit the wine list of Freemans. This unique restaurant was inspired by the colonial American Tavern, the menu follows simple, rustic traditions with a contemporary twist.
Wines reviewed include:
- Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fume
- Vina Tondoñia, Lopez de Heredia 2007
- Saumur-Champigny from Château du Hureau
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 there Robert! Happy to be back with you :)
RT Happy to have you as always. 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. Today we’re taking on Freeman’s NYC. Grace what are your initial thoughts?
GH: So, when I was checking out Freemans, I really loved that the idea of the restaurant was to make a like a rugged clandestine colonial American Tavern with an imagined colonial cuisine - simple, rustic and inspired by old-world traditions. Makes me think I’m going to be drinking Claret with Benjamin Franklin! I’m a huge history nerd so I am here for this American Revolution vibe. Put on the Hamilton soundtrack and let's do it! Haha!
RT: Totally! I love that musical.
GH: I mean who doesn’t - it's a masterpiece! I wonder what kind of wine Lin Manuel Miranda drinks…anyway I digress! When I was checking out the wine menu for Freemans, I noticed they’re keeping it small and classic. Just a few old-world and new-world selections for red white and sparkling. Could start out with a small production champagne Vilmart and Cie, which sommeliers have a cult obsession with. And then you could move into a classic French sauv blanc with either the Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fume or the Sancerre from Lucien Crochet. Definitely two personal favorites of mine.
RT: Totally - I love both of those. What about a heavier white?
GH: Gotta go with chardonnay - however if you’re wanting a lighter style, go with the Pouilly-Fuissé from Château-Fuissé made in the Macconais village in Burgundy. But if we wanted a big butter classic California Chardonnay - go with the Kistler! If you like Rombauer, you’ll love Kistler.
RT: Love those two picks. Giving the folks chardonnay style options. You’re always thinking of the people Grace!
MV: That’s my job Robert! Helping people navigate their own palates. It’s my favorite part of my job, well besides of course drinking wine and eating and traveling!
RT: Living the dream, Grace! Now, what are you thinking on the red side?
GH: So we have a lot more to play with on the red side. Gonna go with an all time fave Vina Tondoñia, Lopez de Heredia 2007. Medium-bodied classic Rioja – a crowd pleaser for everyone. Or you could go with another Grace Hood favorite Robert Sinskey POV red blend from Napa. I have been drinking Robert’s wines for almost my entire career, and got to meet him in 2018 when I was a sommelier in Vail for the ski season. And let me tell you this man knows what he is doing! Any Sinskey wine is going to be lush and interesting and 100% delish.
RT: Awesome - how lucky you are to get to meet some of these amazing winemakers. Now, what about a value bottle on the list?
MV: On the white side, go with a classic affordable French - Picpoul! This one is from Domaine Paul Mas from the Languedoc region and will be bright, acidic, easy to drink. And on the red side lets do a medium bodied Loire Valley Cabernet Franc - the Saumur-Champigny from Château du Hureau.
RT: Love it - and what about a special occasion pick?
MV: Gotta go back to my boy Robert Sinksey and recommend his 2011 Stags Leap Cab.
Awesome. Well, Grace thank you so much again for helping us navigate the Freemans' wine list. And 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
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