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About this Episode

In this episode, sommelier Michaela Quinlan demystifies the amazing wine list of Lafayette. As they say themselves, Lafayette is “an everyday grand café and bakery in the ceremony of French cooking at the corner of Lafayette Street and Great Jones Street in downtown Manhattan.” Their menu reflects a variety of regions and their wine list is equally adventurous. 

Wines reviewed include:

  • Toques et Clochers Crémant de Limoux
  • Domaine Gauthier ‘Jour de Soif’ 2020 Cabernet Franc
  • Daniel Crochet Sancerre 2019
Transcript: Lafayette

Music Intro:

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 Lafayette. Lafayette is a grand café and bakery featuring modern interpretations of classic French bistro favorites. Whether you are interested in breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, or late-night cocktail, not to mention an amazing wine list, Layfayette offers it all.

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

MQ: I’m ready to sip my way through the day after reviewing their food and wine lists. There are so many classics and new favorites to be had.

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

MQ: One of favorite ways to kick off an event is with a glass of something sparking. I would certainly try the Toques et Clochers Crémant de Limoux NV. What I love about Cremant de Limoux is that Cremant means sparkling wine produced in the same technique as Champagne, however, just not from the Champagne region. This Cremant is from the Limoux in Languedoc. Here you have all the incredible aromas and flavors of melon, and brioche, but at a lower price point.

RT: That is for sure unique.

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

MQ: Absolutely. Another must-try would be the Domaine Gauthier ‘Jour de Soif’ 2020 Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is one of my favorite red grape varietals from the Loire Valley. Often used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, the cabernet franc offers bell pepper and early aromas with flavors of ripe raspberry and a hint of spice. This is a perfect pairing for the many savory menu items.

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: Of course! A classic crowd-pleaser would be the Daniel Crochet Sancerre 2019. Sancerre is a region in the Loire Valley producing stellar Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is dry, crisp, with wonderful notes of grapefruit, lime, and minerality that will certainly win over the table and pair well with seafood and herbal dishes.

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: Certainly. I would consider the Rene Balthazar Cotes du Rhone 2020. In the Rhone Valley, your Cotes du Rhone red blends will consist of Grenache and Syrah. This fuller-bodied wine consisting of smooth tannin, ripe red fruit, and spice from the Syrah will be a wonderful pairing for duck, smoked dishes, and the classic steak frites.

RT: For me personally…

MQ: Absolutely!

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 wonderful options, however, one to consider would be the Pierre Morey Monthelie 2019. The Monthelie is a remarkable village in Cotes du Beaune, a sub-region of Burgundy. What I enjoy about Pinot Noir from Burgundy, not only is it a classic, but it is fuller-bodied and features ripe red cherries, savory notes, and even a hint of cinnamon. A wonderful selection to pair with classic French cuisine.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Lafayette’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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