CorkRules - Episodes | Magnolias at the Mill Magnolias at the Mill

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Magnolias at the Mill in Virginia where new American dining meets old America complete with barnlike wood decor, quilts, and rustic charm. Michaela looks through the extensive wine list that features classic old and new world wines from standout producers and offers pairing suggestions with items on the menu, and wines with notes of ripe blackberries, fig, prune, and cassis, along with smoke, vanilla, and silky tannins that make this wine a winner for any special event.

Wines reviewed include:

2021 Zuccardi, Serie A Torrontes, Argentina
2018 Zenato Veronese Alanera Rosso, Veneto, Italy
2018 Archery Summit Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon

Transcript: Magnolias at the Mill

Magnolias:

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 intimating, 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 Magnolia’s at the Mill. Located in Purceville, VA, in the heart of Loudoun County Wine Country, Magnolia’s offers American fare for lunch, dinner, brunch, and special events.

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

MQ: Magnolia’s features and extensive wine list, along with regularly scheduled wine-paired dinners. Enjoy today’s Old World, New World selections, and local favorites.

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

MQ: The first wine to catch my eye was a classic grape from a standout producer. Consider the 2021 Zuccardi, Serie A Torrontes from Argentina. Torrontes is a medium-bodied white grape that produces a fresh and aromatic white wine which would pair beautifully with the number of rich seafood and shellfish selections on Magnolia’s menu. Notes of lemon and lime zest, white flowers, with pineapple, ripe pear, and mango make this white wine a winner.

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

MQ: A rich, full bodied Italian wine to consider is the 2018 Zenato Veronese Alanera Rosso from the Veneto of Italy. This red wine consists of 100% Corvina. Corvina is a grape often found in Amarone blends, making this red exude ripe black cherries, fig, and black pepper, with smoke and cocoa on the soft, lingering finish. Pair this with all richly sauced proteins such as steak and pork.

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 local, must try to pair with tuna or salmon would be the 2017 Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble Chardonnay from Linden, VA. This chardonnay is well balanced with fresh acidity, ripe green apple, and ripe pear, along with notes of honey, brioche, and vanilla on the lingering finish, as this Chardonnay spends some time in French oak. Certainly, a local must try!

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: A crowd-pleasing red wine to consider for the table would be the 2018 Archery Summit Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Another standout, aromatic wine, this Pinot Noir features ripe cranberries, ripe red cherries, along with black pepper, herbs, and dried lavender. This Pinot Noir will certainly stand up to sauced 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: If you are looking for a light, crisp white wine as an aperitif or to pair with shellfish, salads and lighter fare, consider the 2020 Loimer Lois Gruner Veltliner from Austria. This quality/value white wine combines lime zest, grapefruit, tangerine, and ripe peach with white pepper and an herbal finish. Another dry, crowd-pleasing white wine, all for an excellent price.

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

MQ: Another value wine of exceptional quality is the 2018 Barboursville Vineyards Nebbiolo. Located outside of Charlottesville, VA, Barboursville Vineyards has been producing Nebbiolo, along with other award-winning varietals, since the 1990s. This Nebbiolo is rich and full-bodied with firm, round tannins, ripe blackberries, cassis, herbs, mushroom, earth, and smoke. Pair this exceptional local wine with herbed proteins and roasted root vegetables.

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

MQ: Of the many options to take our dining experience to the next level, a wine to consider would be the 97-point rated Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, the 2016 Hess ‘The Lion’. The Lion is featured on the label of this sophisticated red wine consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. He is everything you look for in a rich, Napa red. With ripe blackberries, fig, prune, and cassis, along with smoke, vanilla, and silky tannins make this a winner for any special event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Magnolia at the Mill’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 cue as quick 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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