CorkRules - Episodes | Marea Marea

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About this Episode

In this episode of CorkRules, certified sommelier, Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas take a trip through Italy’s wine region as they explore the wine list at Marea, a high-end, multi-award-winning Italian restaurant with a coastal influence.

Wines reviewed include:

Ronco Delle Venica Friulano 2020.
La Rocca Pieropan Soave Classico Garganega 2019
Tolaini Valdisanti 2018 Super Tuscan

Transcript: Marea

Marea

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.

So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today, we are talking about Marea. Let’s head toward Central Park and stop in to Marea for a high-end Italian dining experience with a coastal influence. Marea has earned a Michelin Star, the James Beard award, along with numerous others.

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

MQ: Their extensive wine list features many unique and exciting Italian wine selections that I am excited to share with you.

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

MQ: Of course! We will begin in Northeastern Italy in Friuli and sample the Ronco Delle Vencia Friulano 2020. The Friulano is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc with notes of grapefruit and minerality, however it stands out with some additional peach and herbal notes. This is the wine to enjoy if you are looking to pair with an artichoke dish.

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: Another must-try is one of my favorites, the La Roca Pieropan Soave Classico Garganiga 2019. Here we are in the Soave region of Veneto. The Garganiga grape is another unique Italian white grape featuring cantaloupe and tangerine, along with a hint of salinity on the finish. This would be your go to for any shellfish selections.

Our red wine enthusiasts would certainly enjoy the Tolaini Valdesanti 2018 Super Tuscan. When we mention Super Tuscans, we are discussing the rich blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. There is even a splash of Cabernet Franc in this blend as well. This blend exudes ripe red cherries, blackberry, and plenty of herbal and earthy notes. This is perfect to pair with richer sauces.

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: Absolutely. We can head a bit further south in Italy to Campania for the Mastrobernadino Radici Aglianico 2017. This is an excellent selection if you are eying a meat dish, or entrée featuring a rich, meat sauce. The ripe, black cherries, along with a bit of smoke and pepper will certainly stand up to heartier 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: I couldn’t stop with one, so we have excellent quality and value wines in white and red. Let’s begin with the Zaccagnini Castelli di Jesi Verdiccio 2018. I love Italian wine labels because they provide us all the information we need. This is a Verdicchio from the castles of Jesi, which is a subregion of the Marche, along the coast of the calf of Italy. This aromatic white wine features aromas and flavors of ripe peach, citrus, and that hint of salinity on the finish. This is a wonderful bottle to share over a cheese or charcuterie board.

Another quality meets value wine is the Burlotto Dolcetto d’Alba 2019. Dolcetto is the red grape, from Alba, a subregion of Piedmont, Italy. This dry, medium-bodied red impresses with bright, ripe red fruit such as cherries and blueberries, with an earthy, savory finish. This would pair well with lighter pasta or chicken dishes.

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: So many options, however, one to consider would be the Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino 2015. This Tuscan Sangiovese classic has been known as one of the top wines of the region since the mid-1800s. If you are looking for complex, and rich, this is the wine to consider. The depth of the ripe red cherries, herbs, smoke, and smooth tannins will certainly add to any event.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Marea’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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