CorkRules - Episodes | Madcap Madcap

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at Madcap, an upscale dining establishment in an intimate, casual setting with an urban feel.

Chef Ron Siegel is the owner, operator and creator of a tasting menu of seasonal selections and the delicious wine list.

Wines reviewed include:

2021 Nigl Zweitgelt Rose, Austria
2018 Gamba Vineyards Etrusca Velia, Red blend, Russian River Valley, California
2018 Château de Fosse-Sèche, Arcane, Saumur, France

Transcript: Madcap

Madcap:

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 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Madcap. Madcap is a must visit if you are in the San Anselmo, CA area. Madcap features a seasonal tasting menu showcasing local and organic ingredients in an upscale environment.

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

MQ: I love when wine lists not only feature classic wine regions but also highlight unique varietals. We have some excellent selections for you today.

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

MQ: A unique selection that caught my eye was the 2021 Nigl Zweitgelt Rose from Austria. Zweitgelt is a cross between the red grapes of Blaufrankisch and St Laurent and is similar in style to Pinot Noir. This rose is a deep salmon color with bright cranberries, raspberries, citrus, and a dry, mineral finish. This rose is rich enough to stand up to hard cheese and dense fish such as tuna and salmon.

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

MQ: Absolutely! The 2018 Gamba Vineyards Etrusca Velia, Red blend from the Russian River Valley of California. This blend of Zinfandel, Alicante, Cagignan, and Petit Syrah is full bodied and dry, with aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, plums, blackberries, smoke, oak, smooth, round tannins, and herbs on the lingering finish, making this wine a perfect companion for richly sauced proteins and pasta.

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 beautiful, must-try wine is the 2018 Château de Fosse-Sèche, Arcane, from the Saumur which is located in the Loire region of France. This wine consists of Chenin Blanc, which is a light to medium bodied white grape featuring bright acidity, green apple, pear, dried apricots, and a mineral finish. This wine is a perfect companion to lighter fare such as soft cheese and seafood.

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: Knowing how well Madcap crafts their tasting menus with local ingredients and herbs, I had to mention a favorite grape varietal. Consider the 2019 Domaine du Bel Air, Les Vignt Lieux, Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley of France. The ripe cherries, earth, mushrooms, herbs, and oak make this an excellent crowd pleaser for the table.

RT: Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: A stand-out quality and value white wine on the list is the 2021 Caravaglio, Infatata, Malvasia Secca from the island of Salina. This Italian, organic wine features the Malvasia grape which takes us straight to the Mediterranean. The bright acidity, melon, tangerine, lime zest, with salinity on the finish make this an excellent companion to shellfish and lightly sauced seafood.

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

MQ: another organic, quality and value wine to consider is the 2020 Laurent Fayolle, Crozes-Hermitage from the Southern Rhone of France. This wine is 100% Syrah and features flavors and aromas of ripe, red cherries, herbs, smoke, blackberries, with notes of black pepper and violets on the finish. Pair this red with richly sauced or herbed proteins.

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

MQ: A standout, classic, white wine that always compliments a special occasion is the 2019 Domaine Didier Silex, from Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire Region of France. The appellation of Pouilly Fume produces award winning Sauvignon Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, flinty, and showcases gooseberry, lemon zest, and bright acidity. The Silex designation reflects the mineral-driven nature of the wine as a result of the limestone soils. This is truly a winner when pairing with rich seafood and special occasions.

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

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