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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at Il Capriccio where they serve a northern Italian menu, featuring locally-sourced fish, meats, and produce, accompanied by an award-winning Italian wine and grappa list. 

Wines reviewed include:

  • 2014 Roagna Rosso, Piedmont

  • 2014 Bucci “Villa Bucci” Verdicchio Riserva, Castelli di Jesi

  • 2017 Fèlsina 'Rancia' Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany

Transcript: Il Capriccio

Il Capriccio:

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 list’s 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 Il Capriccio. Located in Waltham, MA, this Northern Italian eatery prioritizes locally sourced seafood, meat, and produce. Come enjoy their ever-changing menu in their casual bar, formal or private dining rooms.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Their Italian dominant list features many of our favorites and new varietals as well. I hope you enjoy today’s selections.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Of my many favorite Italian white wines, one that caught my eye was the 2017 Paternoster 'Vulcanico' Falanghina from the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. Another stand-out white wine, the Falanghina showcases bright acidity, citrus, lime zest, tangerine, a nutty/almond finish with a hint of salinity. A wonderful aperitif, or to pair with cheese and seafood.

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

MQ: Absolutely! One to consider would be the 2014 Roagna Rosso from the Langhe region in the Piedmont. The grape in this full-bodied red is 100% Nebbiolo and features aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, and strawberries, with notes of lavender and tobacco on the finish. A perfect companion to herbed dishes and rich proteins.

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

MQ: A must try is the highly rated 2014 Bucci 'Villa Bucci' Verdicchio Riserva from Castelli di Jesi in the Marche region of Central Italy. The medium-bodied verdicchio grape produces white wine that showcases ripe green apple, pear, citrus, crisp minerality and salinity on the finish. This is your go to pairing for lobster and rich seafood 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: Every Italian dining experience should consist of Sangiovese. One to consider for the table would be the 2017 Fèlsina 'Rancia' Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany. This classic Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico region features aromas of lavender, ripe red cherries, blueberries, leather, smoke, and notes of vanilla on the finish due to the oak aging. Certainly, a bottle to consider to pair with pasta and rich proteins.

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: Absolutely. A stand-out quality/value wine is the 2017 Colterenzio 'Weisshaus' Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige in Northern Italy. This Pinot Blanc is a wonderful consideration to pair with cheese, light seafood, and shellfish. The aromas and flavors of pear, green apple, melon, and citrus will certainly win you over.

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

MQ: Heading back to the Piedmont, a red wine to consider would be the 2018 Cascina Borgatta Dolcetto d'Ovada. The Dolcetto grape is dry, bold, full bodied, and floral. This wine showcases aromas and flavors of violets, blueberries, and ripe blackberries. Pair this wine with pasta and proteins. An excellent bottle for an incredible price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: There are many classic Italian grape varietals, however a favorite is Montepulciano. For a special event, you may consider the 2001 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, of Central Italy. The Emidio Pepe winery currently features highly-rated wines from fourth-generation winemakers. This single vineyard produces rich, red wines showcasing plumb, ripe blackberries, cassis, earth, tobacco, and smoke, with round, smooth tannins. This classic grape varietal pairs beautifully with rich pastas, herbed sauced dishes, and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Il Capriccio’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.

End

 

 

 

 

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