CorkRules - Episodes | Frenchie Wine Bistro Frenchie Wine Bistro

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Frenchie Wine Bistro, and as the name suggests, the wine list provides a plethora of old-world wines to tickle your palate and complement the flavors in your meal. This easy-going neighborhood restaurant has a wall-length wine bar for you to explore and a romantic garden-side solarium where you can enjoy the vast selection of delicious wines while tucking into French cuisine.

Wines reviewed include:

2019 Vincent and Tania Careme “Spring” Vouvray, Loire Valley
2019 Domaine Lionel Faury Syrah, Northern Rhone
2016 Domaine du Prince "Le Plaisir du Prince”, Malbec, Cahors, France

Transcript: Frenchie Wine Bistro

Frenchie Wine Bistro:

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 Frenchie Wine Bistro. Located in Boston’s South End, Frenchie’s is the place to relax, meet friends, and enjoy a French inspired menu. Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

MQ: This predominately Old World wine list organizes selections by style, and showcases a number of favorites.

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 favorite destination in the Loire Valley, known as Vouvray. The 2019 Vincent and Tania Careme ‘Spring’ Vouvray. The grape in this dry white wine is Chenin Blanc and features ripe peach, tangerine, and green apple, along with aromas of white flowers and a mineral finish.

I mention minerality often, and this is the dryness that you taste in a wine, many define it as chalk dust, or I liken it to the smell when the first raindrops hit the sidewalk on a hot day. This comes from the soil composition in each growing region. Here in Loire, you will find limestone and schist, so certainly the grapes will take on these characteristics. This minerality is one of the reasons why this wine pairs beautifully with shellfish and seafood.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another famous French wine region is the Northern Rhone. Do consider the 2019 Domaine Lionel Faury Syrah, from the Saint-Joseph appellation of the Northern Rhone. This full-bodied Syrah features rich ripe blackberries, black cherries, and plumb with smoke, leather, and a hint of nutmeg on the finish. This wine is meant to pair with richly sauced and herbed dishes, along with anything from the grill.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try” ?

MQ: The Loire Valley features one of my favorite appellations, Chinon. The 2020 Chateau Du Petit Thouars, Chinon "Les Georges" Cabernet Franc. I enjoy the balance of fruit and earthiness of this wine. The ripe cherries and strawberries pair with black olives, black pepper, and earth, making this an excellent pairing for herbed and savory dishes.

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: Many may think of Provence only for their stellar rose, however, Provence produces standout red and white wines as well. A white wine to consider would be the 2020 Clos Saint Madeleine Cassis Blanc which consists predominantly of Marsanne and Ungi Blanc. This dry, medium-bodied blend features aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle, along with flavors of lemon curd, ripe peach, and lime zest, along with bright acidity and a mineral finish. Being fuller-bodied, this wine would pair beautifully with dense fish such as salmon and tuna.

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: I always look for quality/value wines, and when you find a top sparkler in there, you have to go for it! Do consider the Caneva da Nani, Col Fondo Valdobbiadene, Glera from the Veneto. Glera is often the grape used in Prosecco. This Glera is light, dry, citrusy, and refreshing. This is a wonderful way to begin your dining experience or if you are considering any shellfish, cheeses, or fried dishes, look no further. A fun, light sparkler at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: We had some fun with that sparkler, now let’s get serious and head to Cahors in Southwestern France. The 2016 Domaine du Prince "Le Plaisir du Prince, Malbec, from Cahors. This bold and rich Malbec features ripe plumb and dried blackberries, with cinnamon and clove. This is your selection 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: If you are considering a dessert wine to add to your special event and are having difficulty deciding, one to consider would be the 2016 Planeta, Passito di Noto, from Sicily. Passito is the Italian word for raisin. Much like other late harvest wines, such as Sauternes, the Moscato grapes in this dessert wine also over-ripen to maintain natural sweetness. Featuring aromas and flavors of apricot, mango, honey, and tropical fruit, this dessert wine is the perfect pairing with dessert, cheeses, and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Frenchie Wine Bistro’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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