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About this Episode

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Harvest in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This restaurant has been serving meals with their unique twist on American cuisine since 1975. Sam finds some spectacular wines on the list, including wine from producers who use only grapes they grow themselves, wines from 50-year-old vines, and wines from high up Spring Mountain in Napa Valley.

Wines reviewed include:

2019 Huet Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Sec, Loire, France
2018 Beurer Trollinger, Weingut Beurer, Württemberg, Germany
2008 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

Transcript: Harvest

Harvest

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 Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Sam, it’s great to have you!

SH: Hi Robert! Great to be back.

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. Today Sam and I are reviewing

Harvest

Overview

Harvest is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has been serving their takes on American cuisine since 1975. They source their ingredients from local farms to create their seasonal New England inspired dishes.

Where to start

This wine list has easy to navigate sections by type of wine and region, so whether you’re looking for a Bordeaux or a New World White, you’ll be directed to the right place.

Alright, the bottle called “Pizza Sauce” grabbed my attention. This wine is under their “Reds Less Traveled Section” featuring reds that you may not have heard of. This is a non-vintage red blend from Fausse Piste winery in Portland, Oregon. The blend consists of Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, and Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards in Oregon from 3 different vintages. These small batches of juice from each vineyard are blended together to create this fruity, dry acidic wine that’s ready to be enjoyed with a saucy dish- like the Eggplant Stuffed Ravioli. The blueberry, red cherry, and some earthy mineral components make this wine refreshing and fun.

Another great bottle, especially if you’re looking for white, would be the 2019 Huet Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Sec. This is a beautiful Chenin Blanc from Vouvray in the Loire, France. Domaine Huet was founded in 1928 and has gained global recognition for their Chenin Blanc. This bottle will be super dry, floral, and lemony crisp with some salinity. A dish like the Lobster and Shrimp fondue would be so fun with this, with the shellfish playing off the salty notes in the wine and the acid to cut through that rich cheese.

Value

For a bottle that's affordable, a little unusual but so tasty I’d go for the 2018 Beurer Trollinger. Weingut Beurer is located in Württemberg, Germany and although Germany is well known for their white wines, the cooler climate produces some delicious lighter reds. We see a lot of Trollinger blends but this 100% Trollinger comes from 50-year-old vines and stands beautifully on its own. This bottle will be bright and crunchy with vibrant red cherry, cranberry and acidity that just sings so it's a welcome companion to food. The Duck Bacon Campanelli would be a great match with the acidity and fruity tones. If you’re a Gamay lover give this bottle a try!

Celebratory

The great thing about this list is definitely the range they have. There are options that are budget-friendly, there are those that will make your special evening even more memorable and then there’s the bottles that are a celebration all on their own. For a bottle that’s going to bring its own party, try the 2008 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1981, Philip Togni cultivated vineyards high up Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, originally starting with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. They now grow Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot as well and farm their vines organically. They proudly make their estate bottled wines using only their own grapes. This bottle is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little bit of Merlot and just a touch of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s going to have these really deep aromas of black fruits and plum and earthy wood notes. It’ll also have notes of blackberry, warm spices, and subtle anise. It’s rich with rounded tannins and a full body. Such an experience to sip on and let unfold. It would be amazing with their herb and butter-basted ribeye with marinated mushrooms. That combo would be one you won't forget!

RT: Sam, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Harvest.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules. If you would like Sam 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.

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

Thank you.

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