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About this Episode

Wine sommelier and consultant Camila Alvarez joins host Robert Tas to explore the wholly global but carefully curated list at La Cava Wine Bar. The wine list has a mix of different countries, a good selection of US wines, and predominantly Californian wines but also includes wines from Italy, Spain, French, Argentina and New Zealand. Camila shares her expertise in wine notes, pairings, and the background on some of the varietals used.

Wines reviewed include

  • Numanthia Termes 2013 from Toro
  • Saint-Emilion la Fleur Cardinale 2012
  • Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay 2015

 

Transcript: La Cava

La Cava Wine Bar

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules! 

A podcast where we review a Wine List from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Camila Alvarez, wine sommelier and consultant.

Bonjour Camila, it’s great to have you join our CorkRules Family from Paris!

CA: Hello 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 wine lists can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, 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 La Cava wine bar

A neigborhod place with a fabulous wine selection and American cuisine. It has a great cozy feel.

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

CA: The wine list has a mix of different countries, a good selection of US wines, and predominantly Californian wines. But at the same time, it is diversified, with wines from Italy, Spain, some French, Argentinean and New Zealand wines.

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

CA: The French section is very short, but I am surprised about a Châteauneuf du Pape, mostly because the vintage 2016 has a great aging potential minimum 15 years, one of the best vintages very elegant wines with soft tannins. What about the aromas? round wines with a granite colour and an expressive nose with red fruit aromas. Perfect pairings are for example: pork with prunes, chicken with tomato, wild meat, etc.

RT: Ooohh those sound great.

So, Camila, their list seems to have lots of ways we could go but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

CA: I will choose a super Tuscan from Ruffino Modus, 2015.This amazing blend of sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. It is a modern super Tuscan with notes of black fruits and animal notes; we can also add wood and vaNULLla flavours.

So this list has so many great choices, what other wines would you suggest for our second or third course?

CA:  I would like to recommend a wine that has a very good value for money and is great with tapas and fish like this restaurant. That is Albarino from Pazo das Bruxas 2017, very aromatic wine with medium acidity, peach flavours and very floral wine between yellow and white flowers. This wine goes perfect with this fresh and young menu.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Camila, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.  any other great value wines you’d point us to? 

CA: I suggest Numanthia Termes 2013 from Toro, why I recommend this wine because it RIPEN BLACK FRUIT and some herbal notes, high tannin level and medium acidity. Between the violet flowers and the body of this wine. It is a great appellation to taste for a really good price.

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

CA:  For a special dinner Saint-Emilion la Fleur Cardinale 2012 is perfect for a dinner and ready to drink. It is an explosion of black fruit flavors but in an elegant manner, elegant tannins, notes of cocoa, licorice, spices, and ripe black fruits

About the winery, It is a wine producer that is in constant growth, in 2006 it was integrated to the grand cru classés.

RT: Oh, that’s great, it has good age on it too!

CA: Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay 2015, Marlborough, one of the best Sauvignon Blanc with very aromatic expressions and aromas of gooseberry and very good freshness and some lime. Ready to drink, well paired with sushi, and other types of fish.

If we talk about New Zealand, this is the most famous expression.

RT: Any other suggestions?

CA: Another option is a Riesling from Thomas Schmitt 2017, very aromatic off-dry wine that you can keep for several years, honey, lemon and lime are the aromas in this wine, good level of acidity. Pairing with fish and white meat could be perfect.

RT: Cabs are always a good call for me, especially with meats/steaks.  

CA: I 100 percent agree

RT: Camila Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Cava’s wine list. I can’t wait to go back and try your great suggestions.   

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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