CorkRules - Episodes | Mistral Mistral

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Mistral, an elegant French restaurant located in Boston’s stylish South end. Their wine list covers all regions in France and includes some classics, a few favorite hidden gems, in addition to value wines that are sure to please your guests. They also provide both half and large-format bottles.

Wines reviewed include:

2014 Château Castera from Bordeaux
2019 J.J. Prüm, “Bernkasteler Badstube” Kabinett Riesling
2019 Bodegas Ladera Sagrada “Castelo do Papa” Godello

Transcript: Mistral

Mistral

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 Mistral, located in Boston’s South End. Inspired by Provence, this restaurant has been featuring French cuisine at its best for 25 years.

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

MQ: While the menu may be representative of France, their wine list covers all regions. There are some classics, and our favorite hidden gems on this list, along with half and large-format bottles.

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

MQ: One that caught my eye right away was the 2018 Domaine Perrault-Jadaud Les Grives Soûles Vouvray from the Loire Valley. Vouvray is the region within the Loire producing beautiful Chenin blanc. Chenin blanc produces a dry, medium-bodied white wine featuring pear, citrus, green apple, and notes of dried apricot and white flowers. A perfect companion to rich seafood such as crab and scallops, along with cream sauces.

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

MQ: Absolutely. Another consideration would be 2014 Château Castera from Bordeaux. We have a touch of age on this Bordeaux, which consists of a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. This blend features cassis, ripe blackberries, earth, smoke, and a note of vanilla on the finish. The smooth tannins will pair well with herbed dishes and rich sauces.

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 classic, must-try is the 2019 J.J. Prüm, ‘Bernkasteler Badstube’ Kabinett Riesling from Mosel, Germany. The Kabinet designation of this riesling means that it is dry and features pear, tangerine, citrus, and honey, with a mineral finish. This is a perfect pairing for any spicy dish, shellfish, and charcuterie.

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 wonderful pairing for Mistral’s menu would be the 2019 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhone. A stellar, well-balanced, full-bodied grenache/syrah blend features blackberries, ripe blueberries, smoke, earth, and hints of vanilla on the finish. A perfect complement to proteins and rich sauces.

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: Absolutely. Let’s begin with the 2019 Bodegas Ladera Sagrada ‘Castelo do Papa’ Godello from Galicia, Spain. The godello grape produces light, fragrant white wines featuring aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, pear, cantaloupe, and honey with a mineral finish. A perfect pairing for lighter sauces, shellfish, and cheeses, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. Did any others stand out?

MQ: Another consideration would be the 2020 Jean-Paul Brun “Terres Dorées” Côte de Brouilly, Gamay from Beaujolais in Burgundy. The Gamay grape produces medium to full-bodied red wines featuring plum, ripe, red cherries, minerality, and spice with a smooth finish. Look to gamay to pair with olives, savory dishes and anything from the grill.

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

MQ: Let’s visit the classic 2014 Robert Foley “Claret” Bordeaux Blend from Napa. The Robert Foley Vineyard was established in 1998 and became an instant classic producing Bordeaux-style blends of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that express ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis, cocoa, nutmeg, and cedar. Everything you are looking for to pair with savory, herbed dishes, along with your celebration.

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