CorkRules - Episodes | Le Farfalle Le Farfalle

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About this Episode

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Le Farfalle in the Harleston Village of Charleston, South Carolina where they put a modern spin on traditional Italian cuisine and offer a stellar wine list. In addition to pairing suggestions and tasting notes, Sam shares background information on the wine regions and producers to take your wine education up a notch. She introduces us to an Italian wine cooperative composed of 400 small winegrowers who sustainably farm the land, rare Italian varietals, and the more well-known and loved barolos and nebbiolos.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Montepulciano Rosato, Viticoltori Riuniti
2018 Nero Buono “Polluce”, Italy
2021 “Alice” Verdeca, Puglia, Italy

Transcript: Le Farfalle

Le Farfalle

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 Le Farfalle in the Harleston Village of Charleston South Carolina. Le Farfalle is known for their modern takes on traditional Italian cuisine, along with an array of cocktails and wine to enjoy with these dishes.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Where to start

Let’s talk rosé. The 2020 Montepulciano Rosato by Viticoltori Riuniti is going to be very different if you’re used to lighter rosés. I love this Italian style because it’s not as delicate and it’s fuller bodied, which I love when considering all of the Italian food I’m about to consume. This rosé is a Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, made from the Montepulciano grape from the Abruzzo region of Italy. The skin from the Montepulciano grape contributes to the vibrant reddish color of the rosé and adds tannins as well. Notes of red cherry, bright raspberry and rounded out with mineral and nutty qualities. If you like a light red this could be right up your alley. It’s also versatile with food, so whether the focaccia with tomato sugo and whipped ricotta is calling your name, or a pasta dish, this wine is there for the journey.

If you’re looking for a delicious white wine, the 2021 ‘Alice’ by Verdeca would be a great choice. Alice comes from Produttori di Manduria, which is a wine cooperative in Puglia, Italy. The cooperative is composed of 400 small winegrowers who sustainably farm the land and believe quality wine only comes from healthy vineyards. This bottle is made from the Verdeca grape, which is less common than other Italian white varietals. It’s known for its tropical and citrus qualities, and is definitely refreshing enough on its own or a great match with food. Alice means Anchovy, so if you’re craving seafood it’s a great start with oysters, or the Clam Linguine. But it’s got enough flavors and body going on that it would be great with a variety of starters or pasta!

Value

There’s plenty of affordable bottles on this menu so there’s certainly something for everyone. One that caught my eye was the 2018 Nero Buono ‘Polluce’. This bottle is made with 100% grapes grown organically in the slopes of Cori, located in central Italy. Polluce is produced by Cincinatto winery, which is a cooperative of winegrowers committed to growing local grape varieties established almost 75 years ago. Polluce is full of red fruit aromas along with notes of blackberry and chocolate. It’s medium-bodied but brings great flavors that will stand up to bolder dishes, like a ribeye with their salsa rosso sauce, or the Agnolotti pasta stuffed with duck confit and parmigiano. This is definitely a fun bottle to try if you’re a lover of Sangiovese.

Celebratory

The 2014 Bisu Barolo is sure to light up your night. I love a wine that’s going to uplift the evening and transport you along with the food. This gorgeous Barolo is from Bonfante & Chiarle-which has become one of the top producers in the Langhe region. 100% Nebbiolo is aged for at least 38 months, with 24 of those months in oak. Super soft tannins, dried flowers, cherry and smoke with a long finish to savor. This sturdy but graceful bottle is rich and deep. So delicious, so special. It’s going to be out of control with the Braised lamb shank with grilled scallions.

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

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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