#154
No.9 Park
Latest Episode
- 10/14/22 | 6:27
About this Episode
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Boston where they review the wine list of No. 9 Park Chef Barbara Lynch’s flagship restaurant in Beacon Hill. The menu is an artful blend of regionally-inspired Italian and French dishes and the James Beard Award-winning wine list includes a number of old-world wines from boutique vintners. Michaela identifies the perfect wine to pair with spicy dishes, a white Bordeaux that is a must-try, and a stand-out champagne for those special occasions.
Wines reviewed include:
- 2019 Gros’ Nore Ruge, Bandol in Provence
- 2020 Ganeta Getariako Txakolina Blanco
- 2018 Chateau du Hureau Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley
No. 9 Park:
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 No 9 Park located in historic Beacon Hill in Boston. This fine dining destination features French and Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list to match. Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?
MQ: France and Italy are some of my favorite old-world destinations. Their list is as extensive as their number of awards, from earning the AAA Four Diamond rating, to the James Beard Award for their wine list. We have several wonderful selections for you today, many of which are featured in half bottles as well.
RT: That’s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?
MQ: The first wine that jumped out at me was the 2016 Trimbach Muscat from Alsace. Right from the start, I am always excited to see which Trimbach wines are featured. Here we have the muscat grape, like riesling, can be produced from dry to sweet, and even sparkling. The Trimbach muscat, however, is bone dry with aromas of white flowers, and flavors of apricot, tropical fruit, with a creamy, nutty finish. A perfect pairing for spicy dishes.
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: A must try is the 2019 Haut Vigneau, Brodeaux Blanc, from Pessac-Leognan. This white Bordeaux is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that features aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, and grapefruit, with a fresh, mineral finish. This wine would complement cheeses, shellfish, 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: One to consider would be the 2019 Gros’Nore Ruge, from Bandol in Provence. The tiny Bandol appellation produces spectacular Rose and red wines made almost exclusively from Mourvèdre. If you have been eyeing some of the richer dishes on the menu, this is the wine to consider with aromas and flavors of blackberries, black pepper, and earth, along with a note of lavender on the finish.
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: Of course! The first to catch my eye was the 2020 Ganeta Getariako Txakolina Blanco, from the Basque region of Spain. The grape varietal is hondarrabi zuri, and is a beautiful, light, white wine featuring aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon zest, minerality, and a touch of saline on the finish. A wonderful companion for lighter fare, and seafood.
RT: That sounds refreshing. Did anything else stand out?
MQ: Absolutely, The 2018 Chateau du Hureau Saumur-Champigny from the Loire Valley in France. This wine consists of one of my favorite red grapes, cabernet franc. Originally a blending grape in Bordeaux, I find the single varietal cabernet franc from the Loire is truly a stand-out, value wine. It is well balanced with aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, blueberries, and blackberries, with an earthy finish. A wonderful pairing for savory and herbed dishes.
RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?
MQ: Since No 9 Park is certainly a special occasion destination, I have two recommendations to share. Of course, a true classic Champagne from Piper Heidsieck, the NV Brut. This critically acclaimed Champagne is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay resulting in aromas and flavors of ripe green apple, brioche, with a note of spice on the finish. Truly a classic for any special occasion.
RT: A stellar Champagne producer. What else would you recommend?
MQ: If you are looking for an Italian red to compliment your special event, one to consider would be the 2016 Moretti Omero Sagrantino di Montefalco Vignalunga, from Umbria. This Sagrantino features aromas and flavors of ripe cranberries, ripe red cherries, with notes of plumb and earth. A wonderful pairing for richly sauced pastas and herbed dishes.
RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate No 9 Park’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
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