CorkRules - Episodes | Nerano Nerano

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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas put their wine minds together to review the wine list at Nerano, an Italian-American restaurant in Beverly Hills where they serve delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food to pair with an exceptionally well-curated wine list.

Wines reviewed include:

2014 San Salvatore Gio, Campania
2019 Greco from Cantine Ippolito
2019 Toscana Chardonnay, Isole and Olena

Transcript: Nerano

Neranobh

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 Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

GH: Hey Robert! Happy to be here as always

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 we’re chatting about the Amalfi Coast-inspired, Beverly Hills Italian restaurant, Nerano. Grace what are your initial thoughts?

GH: Gosh this place looks so lovely! Lots of Italian influence. They even note that the wine list is a rotating selection of carefully chosen quality Italian and California wines curated by their sommelier, Davide Matarazzo. So, shout out to him! Well done sir

RT: Love it! We will have to get some of these sommeliers on the podcast soon.

GH: What am I chop liver Robert!? HAHAH

RT: HHAHA Grace you are indispensable to Cork Rules. But I would love to hear the conversations between like-minded wine professionals.

GH: Oh absolutely. More wine minds more better!

RT: Totally. So where would you like to start on the Nerano wine list?

GH: Well, starting off with bubbles – they have a lovely selection of Italian Sparkling, and instead of the classic prosecco, which is the famous sparkling Italy is known for, I’m gonna hit you with some smaller production bottles. I’m definitely interested in this 2016 Revi'Dosaggio Zero', which is a pinot nero chardonnay blend from Trentino in northern Italy. That will be super crispy and mineral-driven. Or if you’re thinking a sparkling rose, the 2014 San Salvatore Gio from Campania would also be a lovely choice

RT: Love it. Don’t know the last time I had a sparkling Italian Rose. Will have to put that on the to-try list. How is Nerano looking for Italian white wine Grace?

GH: Bellisima! If you’re looking to go for something light dry and a little fruit, the 2019 Greco from Cantine Ippolito. If you’re feeling something a little more lush, this 2019 Toscana Chardonnay from Isole and Olena will do the trick.

RT: Yum those sound perfect for a seafood dish. Love those picks. Does Italy have good still rose as well?

GH: Oh boy do they ever! On the Nerano menu they have a 2017 Rosato IGP from IGreco that would satisfy any rose palate

RT: And speaking of red grapes, I can’t wait to hear your picks for their Italian reds.

GH: I got you, Robert. This is by far the biggest section on the wine menu and it has some serious stunners on it. Right out the gate, they have a subsection of special selections from Gaja, which as we’ve talked about before, is one of the iconic Italian wine houses. They’ve got a few of their iconic wines, but my picks would have to be their 2004 brunello di montalcino or the 1989 barolo! 33-year-old nebbiolo oooo wee that’ll be amazing.

RT: Oh wow I bet that would be an incredible bottles. Like you, I’ll drink anything from Gaja.

GH: Man after my own heart Robert! Now friends if Gaja isn’t your thing, and you still want to go with a barolo, they have a 1997 one from Oddero which is another classic italian producer. And a different brunello di montalcino that caught my eye was this 2008 from Soldera

RT: Great choices. All sound delicious. Now what about for those big bold wine drinkers? I’m sure they’ve got a killer selection of Super Tuscans.

GH: They sure do senor! I’ve got my eye on this 2007 Sassotino, ooo or they also have 2010 Castello dei Rampollo. Two awesome Tuscany producers.

RT: I love it, Grace. Now, what about some great value bottles for our friends on a budget?

GH: Thankfully Italy has great affordable wine! For a White pick I would go with 2018 Turbiana from the Maragona vineyard in the Lombardy region. And for a red, the 2020 Serra di Gatti Barbera d’alba would work.

RT: Awesome. And what about some bottles for a special occasion?

GH: Gonna have to be the Krug Grand Cuve champagne or the 2012 Barolo from Guissepe Rinaldi

RT: Fantastic! Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Nerano. 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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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